Impact of the Degree of the Mastoid Pneumatization on Cartilage Type 1 Tympanoplasty Success.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of the degree of the mastoid pneumatization on the success rate of cartilage type 1 tympanoplasty. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective clinical chart review. METHODS: In total, 90 patients (44 females and 46 males; average age, 38.40 ±â€Š11.12 years; age range 21-65 years) who underwent cartilage type 1 tympanoplasty were included. Demographics and anatomical outcomes were recorded. The patients were divided into 2 groups in terms of anatomical success. In group A, all patients had intact grafts without perforation, retraction, or lateralization, and a dry ear, at 6 months postoperatively. In group B, reperforation of the tympanic membrane was evident 6 months postoperatively. The mastoid air cell volumes of each groups were compared. RESULTS: The mean mastoid pneumatization in groups A and B was 5.32 ±â€Š1.96  and 5.06 ±â€Š2.12 cm, respectively. The mastoid pneumatization of diseased ears did not differ between the groups (P > 0.05). The mastoid pneumatization of diseased ears did not differ between males and females (P > 0.05). The mastoid pneumatization of normal ears did not differ between the groups (P > 0.05). The mastoid pneumatization of normal ears did not differ between males and females (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The degree of mastoid pneumatization did not affect the success rate of cartilage type 1 tympanoplasty. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to evaluate the relationship between the degree of the mastoid pneumatization and anatomical outcomes after placement of various graft types.