Graft Healing Process Following Cartilage Myringoplasty Without Trimming of the Perforation Margin.

Objective: The objective of this study was to endoscopically evaluate the graft healing process and graft success rate following cartilage myringoplasty, without trimming of the perforation margin or external ear canal (EAC) packing. Material and Methods: Patients with chronic tympanic membrane (TM) perforation underwent endoscope cartilage underlay myringoplasty, without trimming perforation margin or EAC packing. The healing process of the cartilage graft and the graft success rate were evaluated at 6 months postoperatively. Results: Fifty-eight ears were included in this study. At 1 week postoperatively, clinical inosculation and neovascularization of the graft were observed in small- and medium-sized perforations, but not in large or subtotal perforations. At 2 weeks postoperatively, graft clinical inosculation and neovascularization were completed in the small- and medium-sized perforations; however, neovascularization of the graft had only just begun in the large perforations. At 3 weeks postoperatively, completion of the graft clinical inosculation was achieved in 57 of the 58 ears. At 4 weeks postoperatively, complete neovascularization was achieved in all perforations. Of the 58 ears, postoperative infection resulted in residual perforation in 1 ear, and an insufficient graft resulted in residual perforation in a large perforation without infection. Overall, the graft success rate was 96.6% (56/58). There was no correlation between the graft success rate and graft neovascularization score. Conclusions: The graft healing process experienced the dilation of the blood vessels of the remnant TM, graft clinical inosculation, and neovascularization following cartilage myringoplasty without trimming of the perforation margin and EAC packing; however, the graft success rate was not related to the endoscopic graft neovascularization scores.

Effects of no perforation margin trimming and EAC packing in cartilage underlay myringoplasty for chronic large perforations in children.

OBJECTIVE: Trimming of perforation margins and external auditory canal (EAC) packing are basic procedures in underlay myringoplasty for repairing chronic perforations. The objective of this study was to compare the operation time, graft outcome, hearing improvement, and complications of endoscopic cartilage underlay myringoplasty with and without trimming of perforation margins and EAC packing in children. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pediatric patients older than 12 years with chronic perforations were randomly divided into two groups: myringoplasty with trimming of perforation margin and EAC packing (TPME) group or no trimming of perforation margin and EAC packing (NTPME) group. The operation time, graft success rate, hearing improvement, and complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were ultimately included in the study. The mean operation time was 31.4 ± 4.2 min in the TPME group and 23.6 ± 1.7 min in the NTPME group; the difference was significant (P < 0.01). The rate of aural fullness significantly differed between the TPME and NTPME groups (P = 0.000). All participants were followed up for 12 months; the graft success rate did not significantly differ between the groups (88.5% vs. 96.2%; P = 0.603). No patients developed adhesive otitis media. Between the preoperative and postoperative measurements, the mean air-bone gap improved by 10.2 ± 2.8 dB in the TPME group and 11.6 ± 0.7 dB in the NTPME group; this was significant (P < 0.001) in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic cartilage underlay myringoplasty NTPME shorted the operation time and avoided aural fullness and EAC discomfort compared with the TPME technique; however, graft success and hearing improvement were comparable between the two techniques for repairing large perforations in children.

Additional cartilage reinforcement of the annulus in myringoplasty for subtotal perforation.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, graft success, hearing outcome, and complications were compared following the repair of subtotal perforation using a cartilage reinforcement underlay technique (CRUT) versus the traditional cartilage underlay technique (TCUT). STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-six patients with subtotal perforations were prospectively randomized to the CRUT (n = 38) or TCUT (n = 38) group. The graft success rate, hearing outcome, and complications were compared at 12 months. RESULTS: The mean operation time was 32.9 ± 4.2 (range: 26-47) min in the CRUT group and 51.8 ± 6.3 (range: 48-73) min in the TCUT group (P < 0.001). At 12 months postoperatively, no residual perforation was seen in either group. The graft success rate was 94.7 % (36/38) in the CRUT group and 92.1 % (35/38) in the TCUT group; the difference was not significant (P = 0.643). The postoperative air bone gap (ABG) was significantly improved compared to the preoperative value in both groups, without significant between-group differences in either the preoperative (P = 0.741) or postoperative (P = 0.865) ABG or the mean ABG gain (P = 0.812). Additionally, there were no significant between-group differences in the preoperative (P = 0.887) or postoperative (P = 0.753) mean bone-conduction pure tone average. In the TCUT group, seven (18.4 %) patients developed temporary hypogeusia and two (5.3 %) had external auditory canal scarring. Graft cholesteatoma was not observed in either group. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of subtotal perforations, lateral reinforcement of the annulus with additional cartilage is simpler than traditional cartilage underlay for achieving graft and hearing success. The technique also does not involve raising the tympanomeatal flap or removing perforation margins.

Push-Through Myringoplasty Versus External Auditory Canal Flap Tympanoplasty for Chronic Marginal Perforations.

OBJECTIVE: We compared the operation times, graft success rates, and hearing gains between push-through (PT) myringoplasty and external auditory canal (EAC) flap tympanoplasty in patients with chronic marginal perforations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 77 patients with chronic marginal perforations were randomly allocated to endoscopic perichondrium-cartilage myringoplasty with raising of the EAC flaps (n = 39) and PT technique (n = 38) groups. The graft outcomes, mean operation times, and postoperative complications were compared 6 months after operation. RESULTS: The graft success rate was 97.4% (38/39) in the EAC group and 81.6% (31/38) in the PT group; the difference was significant (P = .056). The mean operation time was 40.7 ± 10.4 min in the EAC group and 42.4 ± 8.3 min in the PT group (P = .741). In the EAC group, the mean pre- and postoperative air-bone gap (ABG)s were 29.3 (range: 28.4 ± 8.6) and 12.1 (range: 11.8 ± 2.4) dB (P < .01), respectively; the respective values were 29.5 (range: 29.1 ± 5.4) and 12.6 (range: 12.0 ± 1.3) dB (P < .01) in the PT group. No significant group difference was observed in the pre- (P = .794) or postoperative (P = .689) ABG values or mean ABG gain (16.7 ± 5.3 vs 17.1 ± 7.7 dB; P = .526). In addition, graft medialization occurred in 7.9% patients in the PT group. However, graft lateralization, significant blunting, deteriorative sensorineural hearing loss, vertigo, or tinnitus were not encountered in either group. No taste change was reported and no inclusion cholesteatoma was seen in the EAC group. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic perichondrium-cartilage myringoplasty with raising of an EAC flap is useful and minimally invasive to repair chronic marginal perforations; the technique is simple, has a high graft success rate in comparison to the PT technique.

Cartilage-Perichondrium Myringoplasty for Managing Intratympanic Membrane Cholesteatomas With Chronic Otitis Media in Adults.

Objective: This study evaluated the surgical outcomes and complications of the endoscopic cartilage-perichondrium graft technique for treating intratympanic membrane cholesteatomas (ITMCs) with tympanic membrane (TM) perforation or an atrophic TM in adults. Methods and Materials: Clinical data on 11 adult ITMCs were analyzed retrospectively. The graft success and cholesteatoma recurrence were evaluated 12 months postoperatively. Results: Of the 11 patients with ITMC, TM perforation had occurred in 2 (18.2%) and an atrophic TM or TM scar healing occurred in 9 (81.8%). In endoscopy, keratin debris accumulation was seen at the superior edge of the perforation or atrophic TM. Computed tomography revealed that the cholesteatoma was confined to the TM. Intraoperatively, the epithelial invasion of the cholesteatoma was limited to the fibrous layer within the TM. Cartilage-perichondrium grafting was performed after removing the cholesteatoma. All the grafts were successful, and the perforations achieved complete closure by the final 12 month follow-up. Endoscopy revealed no recurrent cholesteatoma. Of the 9 patients with preoperative tinnitus, the tinnitus disappeared in 3 (33.3%), was relieved in 4 (44.4%), and was unchanged in 2 (22.2%). Of the 7 patients with an ear fullness preoperatively, the ear fullness disappeared in 6 (85.7%) and was relieved in 1 (14.3%). The mean air-bone gap improved from 28.6 dB preoperatively to 16.2 dB postoperatively. Conclusions: Endoscopic complete excision of an ITMC and cartilage-perichondrium graft without raising a tympanomeatal flap can lead to successful graft intake and improve the symptoms for the patients with ITMC combined with perforation or atrophic TM.

Comparison of two endoscopic perichondrium-cartilage graft underlay myringoplasty for large perforations: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the graft outcomes and complications of two endoscopic perichondrium-cartilage graft techniques for repairing large perforations. STUDY DESIGN: Single center blinded randomized controlled trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 61 large perforations more than 50% of TM area were prospectively randomized to undergo the free perichondrium and free cartilage graft group (FPFC, n = 31) or perichondrium partial attachment the cartilage graft group (PPAC, n = 30). The primary outcome measures were the operation time; secondary outcome measures were the graft success rate and hearing gain at 12 months postoperatively and postoperative complications. RESULTS: All patients completed follow-up of 12 months. The mean operation time was 38.2 ± 2.3 min in the FPFC group and 37.4 ± 5.6 min in the PPAC group (P = 0.658). At postoperative 3 months, the graft success rates were 96.7% in the FPFC group and 93.3% in the PPAC group (P = 0.976). At postoperative 12 months, the graft success rates were 96.7% in the FPFC group and 83.3% in the PPAC group (P = 0.182). However, the residual and re-perforation rate with no infection was 0.0% (0/31) in the FPFC group and 16.7% (5/30) in the PPAC group (P = 0.056). No significant between-group differences were observed pre- (P = 0.842) or post- (P = 0.759) operative air bone gap (ABG) values or mean ABG gain (P = 0.886). However, granular myringitis has been noted in 6.5% in the FPFC group and in 3.3% in the PPAC group. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that 12-month graft success and hearing gain were comparable between the perichondrium free and partial attachment the cartilage graft techniques, nevertheless, partial attachment technique could increase residual and re-perforations.

Outcomes of perichondrium graft covering the epithelium of the tympanic membrane for large-sized perforations: A 3-5-year follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the graft outcomes and iatrogenic cholesteatomas for 3 years following cartilage-perichondrium over-underlay technique with perichondrial graft covering the epithelium for large-sized tympanic membrane (TM) perforations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective case series enrolled patients with large-sized perforation who underwent endoscopic cartilage-perichondrium over-underlay technique. The graft success rate, hearing outcomes, and development of iatrogenic middle ear cholesteatomas and graft cholesteatomas were assessed at 3 years postoperatively. RESULTS: This study included 62 ears of 62 patients. The mean follow-up duration was 47.3 ± 10.8 (38-64) months. Neovascularization was observed in the lateral perichondrium graft in 55 (88.7 %) patients, which inosculated into the TM remnant at 4-5 weeks. However, graft neovascularization was not observed in the four patients with excessive perichondrium graft that migrated into the external auditory canal and the three patients with middle ear infections. The graft failure rate was 6.5 % at 6 months, 11.3 % at 12 months, 6.5 % at 24 months, and the overall graft success rate was 91.8 % at the last follow-up. Granular myringitis developed in 11.3 % (7/62) of the patients. High-resolution computed tomography revealed well-pneumatized mastoids and middle ear at the final follow-up. However, graft cholesteatomas were observed in 3 (4.8 %) patients at 7-24 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The cartilage-perichondrium over-underlay technique with perichondrial graft covering TM epithelium is safe and effective for the repair of large perforations, with good short- and long-term graft outcomes, minimal risk of graft cholesteatoma development, and no risk of iatrogenic middle ear cholesteatomas.

Comparison of temporalis fascia and cartilage graft over-under myringoplasty for repairing large perforations.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the operation time, graft success, audiometric outcomes and complications of over-under technique using a temporalis fascia (TMF) and cartilage grafts for the repair of large perforations. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 80 large perforations >2 quadrants of eardrum were prospectively randomized to undergo TMF over-under technique group (TFON, n = 40) or cartilage-perichondrium over-under technique group (CPON, n = 40). The graft success rate, audiometric outcomes, and complications were compared among two groups at 12 months. RESULTS: The mean operation time was 56.8 ± 4.2 (range:52-71) min in the TFON group and 37.9 ± 2.8 (range: 31-47) min in the CPON group (P < 0.001). The lost follow-up rate was 3 (7.5 %) patients in the TFON group and 2 (5.0 %) patient in the CPON group (P = 0.644). Finally, 37 patients in the TFON group and 38 patients in the CPON group were included in this study. The graft infection rate was 2 (5.4 %) patients in the TFON group and 2 (5.3 %) patient in the CPON group (P = 0.626), all the graft infection resulted in the residual perforation. The remaining residual perforation was 2 (5.4 %) patients in the TFON group and 1 (2.6 %) patient in the CPON group; the re-perforation was 3 (8.1 %) patients in the TFON group and 0 (0.0 %) patient in the CPON group. The graft success rate was 81.1 % (30/37) patients in the TFON group and 92.1 % (35/38) patient in the CPON group. The mean preoperative and 12-month postoperative ABGs were significantly different in any group (P < 0.01). However, there were no significant difference among two groups regardless of pre-or post-ABGs or ABG closure. No lateralization of the graft or blunting was noted in any group. Four (10.8 %)patients developed atelectasis and one (2.7 %) developed the EAC scarring in the TFON group. Graft cholesteatomas was found in 2 (5.4 %) patients in the TFON group and in 5 (13.2 %) patients in the CPON group (P = 0.449). Three (8.1 %) patients had temporary hypogeusia in the TFON group. CONCLUSION: Although temporalis fascia graft over-under technique obtained similar graft success rates and hearing outcomes for large chronic perforations to the cartilage-perichondrium over-under technique, temporalis fascia graft technique prolonged the operation time and increased the re-perforation and graft atelectasis. Nevertheless, the graft cholesteatomas were comparable among two techniques.

Inside-out raising mucosal-tympanomeatal flap approach for the repair of large marginal perforations.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the graft success rate and hearing outcomes of the inside-out raising mucosal-tympanomeatal flap technique for the repair of large marginal perforations. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study enrolled patients with large marginal perforations who underwent endoscopic cartilage myringoplasty with the inside-out raising mucosal-tympanomeatal flap technique. The graft success rate, hearing outcomes, and complications were evaluated at 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: In total, 48 patients with large marginal perforations were included. 81% of the population had large perforation, 14.6 had subtotal and total perforation was seen in 4.2%. The mean operation time was 38.6 ±â€…7.1 min. At 12 months postoperatively, the graft success rate was 89.6% (43/48). The mean air-bone gap was 25.6 ± 5.2 dB preoperatively and 16.5 ± 4.1 dB at 12 months postoperatively, with significant differences between these values (p = 0.001). The functional success rate was 85.4% (41/48). None of the patients experienced worsened sensorineural hearing loss or graft-related complications, such as graft lateralization, significant blunting, and graft medialization, during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic cartilage-perichondrium myringoplasty for the repair of large marginal perforations using the inside-out raising mucosal-tympanomeatal flap technique was associated with satisfactory graft outcomes and minimal complications.

Role of topical antibiotic ointment in the lateral graft following underlay myringoplasty: a prospective randomised study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the graft outcome and postoperative infection of with and without the use of antibiotic ointment following myringoplasty for the treatment of chronic perforations. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 135 chronic perforations were prospectively randomized to use of antibiotic ointment group (UAO, n = 68) or no use of antibiotic ointment group (NAO, n = 67) following myringoplasty. The graft outcomes and postoperative infection were compared among two groups at 6 months. RESULTS: At postoperative 6 months, the graft infection rate was 4.4% in the UAO group and 10.4% in the NAO group, the difference was not significant (P = 0.312).The graft success rates were 92.6% in the UAO group and 91.0% in the NAO group, the difference was not significant (P = 0.979). In the UAO group, 3 patients with purulence ear discharge resulted in a residual perforation although they received ofloxacin ear drops and intravenous antibiotic therapy treatment. In the NAO group, 6 patients with purulence ear discharge resulted in a residual perforation, only one, with mild purulence discharge was successfully treated and closed. In addition, no significant between-group differences were observed pre- (P = 0.746) or post- (P = 0.521) operative air bone gap (ABG) values or mean ABG gain (P = 0.745). However, granular myringitis with minimal moistness but without infection has been noted in 3 (4.4%) patients in the UAO group and in 5 (7.5%) in the NAO group, the difference was not significant (P = 0.699). CONCLUSIONS: Use and non-use of antibiotic ointments for lateral packing of graft are both comparable methods following myringoplasty for postoperative infection and graft outcomes.

Local Anesthesia-Based Modified Cartilage "Inlay" Graft Myringoplasty for Repairing Large Perforation.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the graft success rate and hearing outcome of modified cartilage inlay graft technique for repairing large perforations under local anesthesia. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We performed a prospective study in 31 patients with large perforations who underwent endoscopic local anesthesia-based modified cartilage inlay graft technique with no raising of the squamous epithelium and no rimming of the perforation margins. The graft outcomes and complications were evaluated at 6 and 24 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients (31 ears) were included in this study. The mean operation time was 42.3 ± 2.6 (ranged 36-51) minutes. The visual analog scale pain scores at intraoperative and 2 and 48 hours postoperatively were, respectively, 2.6 ± 0.6, 1.4 ± 0.2, and 0.6 ± 0.1. The graft success rate was 100.0% (31/31) at 6 months after surgery. However, only 25 (80.6%, 25/31) patients completed a 2-year follow-up and performed a temporal bone CT examination; re-perforation was seen in 2 patients, the graft success rate was 92.0% (23/25). CT revealed the well-developed pneumatization of the mastoids and middle ear in all the patients. Nevertheless, 1 (1/25, 8.0%) patient developed a graft epithelial inclusion cyst, which was removed by endoscope in the outpatient setting. The mean preoperative air bone gap (ABG) was 23.1 ± 4.3 dB, while the mean postoperative ABG after 6 months was 14.9 ± 2.6 dB; the difference between these values was significant (P < .05; Wilcoxon's signed-rank test), and the functional success rate was 93.5% (29/31). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic modified cartilage "inlay" graft technique with no raising the squamous epithelium and no rimming the perforation is a minimally invasive technique with a short operative time and satisfying success rate for closure of large perforations under local anesthesia.

Reinke's Edema: Cold Steel Versus Radiofrequency Coblation.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the effects of radiofrequency (RF) coblation and cold steel (CS) surgery for the treatment of Reinke's edema (RE). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 61 patients with RE, with 33 (54.1%) in the CS surgery group and 28 (45.9%) in the RF coblation group. The primary endpoints were the bilateral operation time and dyspnea severity, assessed preoperatively and at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Secondary endpoints included subjective and objective vocal assessments, laryngovideostroboscopy (LVS) images, and Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) scores obtained before and at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The average bilateral operation time was significantly shorter in the RF coblation group (24.2 ± 3.9 min) compared to the CS group (38.4 ± 5.2 min) (P = .041). All patients experienced a decrease in their Dyspnea Severity Index (DSI) scores postoperatively, with no significant differences observed between the two groups at any time point. However, improvements in the grade of hoarseness, roughness, and asthenia were significantly greater in the RF coblation group than in the CS group (P < .001). There were no statistically significant differences in breathiness and strain between the two groups. The average VHI-10 score significantly decreased from preoperative values in both groups (P < .001), with no significant differences observed between the two groups at any time point. CONCLUSIONS: The RF coblation procedure is a reliable and safe method for RE surgery, offering an effective treatment choice for RE.

Acquired Cholesteatomas Behind Intact Tympanic Membranes of Adults: A Series of 13 Cases.

Background and Objective: Acquired cholesteatomas behind intact tympanic membrane (ITMC) are rarely encountered in adults in the otology clinic, and the clinical and imaging features of ITMC in adults remain unclear to date. ITMC patients are commonly overlooked because of the absence of both a typical retraction pocket and a tympanic membrane (TM) perforation. The objective of this study was to describe clinical features, pathogenesis, and surgical outcomes in a series of adult patients with acquired ITMC. Materials and Methods: The clinical records of 13 adult patients diagnosed with ITMC were retrospectively reviewed. ITMC were classified into those associated with otitis media with effusion (OME; Group A) and histories of previous perforations (Group B). Results: A total of 13 cases with unilaterally acquired ITMC were included, of which 10 (76.9%) were in Group A and 3 (23.1%) were in Group B. All Group A patients exhibited white masses behind intact TMs, in the anterosuperior quadrants of 6 and the posterior upper quadrants of 4. In Group B patients, white masses in the middle ear were lacking. The TMs were atrophic and white myringosclerotic plaques were evident. The cholesteatomas were confined to the antrum and aditus ad antrum in 2 Group B patients but extended to the epitympanum in 1. All 10 Group A patients had extensive cholesteatomas but intact (noneroded) malleoli. Conclusions: An acquired ITMC should be suspected if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop in adults with OME or a history of perforation, although the TM is intact with or without pars flaccida retraction, computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging should be performed. Canal wall up mastoidectomy combined with ventilation tube insertion effectively treated ITMC associated with OME.

Management of Adult Laryngeal Hemangioma With Low-Temperature Plasma Radiofrequency Coblation.

Objective: This study investigated the therapeutic effects of low-temperature plasma radiofrequency (LPRF) coblation on adult laryngeal hemangiomas (ALHs) using suspension laryngoscopy. Material and Methods: The clinical data of 23 patients with ALH treated by LPRF coblation were analyzed retrospectively. All patients underwent edge coagulation before ablation resection. Postoperative voice and swallowing were assessed. Results: The 23 ALHs were diagnosed clinically as 6 cavernous hemangiomas and 17 capillary fibroangiomas. All 23 cases achieved success after a single LPRF coblation, and there was no postoperative bleeding, dyspnea, dysphagia, dysphonia, or other complications. None required postoperative tracheotomy. The patients were followed for 1 year without recurrence. Before surgical intervention, only 2 (8.7%) of the 23 patients had mild (n = 1) or moderate (n = 1) dysphagia. Postoperative dysphagia was assessed at the 1- and 3-month follow-ups. At 1 month, 5 (21.7%) of 23 patients had mild dysphagia, including 3 (13.0%) reporting new mild dysphagia. However, at 3 months postoperatively, none of patients had any dysphagia. The mean Voice Handicap Index was 11.2 ± 3.7 preoperatively, 7.1 ± 2.8 at 1 month postoperatively, and 4.8 ± 3.1 at 3 months postoperatively; the mean maximum phonation time was 10.8 ± 3.7 seconds preoperatively and 12.6 ± 1.8 and 14.1 ± 3.9 seconds at 1 and 3 months postoperatively, respectively. Conclusions: LPRF coblation is an effective minimally invasive method for treating ALHs with better voice and swallowing recovery. Edge coagulation before ablation resection may reduce intraoperative bleeding.

Tympanomastoid cholesterol Granulomas presenting as a Blue Eardrum in children.

OBJECTIVE(S): This clinical study was performed to analyze the characteristics of cholesterol granuloma (CG) and evaluate our results in children. METHODS: The clinical records of children diagnosed with CG were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The total of 17 children (20 ears) with CGs were included in this study. Endoscopy revealed pars flaccida retractions and lipoid tissue deposition behind the intact blue tympanic membrane (TM). CT scan revealed bony erosion and extensive soft tissue in the middle ear and mastoid. No ossicular chain destruction was found. All 20 ears underwent canal wall-up mastoidectomy and ventilation tube (VT) insertion, 3 sets of VT were performed in 5 ear and 2 sets in one. The residual perforation was seen in 2 ears following VT. The CT revealed well-pneumatized antra and tympanic cavities at postoperative 12-24 months. CONCLUSION(S): The CG should be suspected for the patients with yellow lipoid deposition behind the blue TM. CT of CG usually revealed bony erosion and extensive soft tissue in the middle ear and mastoid. Mastoidectomy combined with VT insertion and etiological treatment have a favorable prognosis for CG in children.

Comparison of Cartilage Reinforcement and Push-Through Techniques for the Treatment of Large Perforations.

Objective: To compare the graft success rate and hearing outcomes of endoscopic cartilage reinforcement perichondrium-cartilage composite graft and push-through techniques for the treatment of large marginal perforations. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Materials and Methods: A total of 57 large marginal perforations were prospectively randomized to cartilage reinforcement (n = 29) and cartilage push-through technique (n = 28) groups. The graft success rate, audiometric outcomes, and complications were compared between the 2 groups at 6 months. Results: All patients completed 6 months of follow-up. The graft success rate in the cartilage reinforcement group was significantly higher compared to that in the push-through group (100.0% vs 78.6%, P < .01). Residual perforation was observed in 5 (17.9%) patients, and re-perforation in 1 (3.6%) patient, in the push-through group. The preoperative air-bone gap (ABG) was 17.6 ± 3.5 dB in the cartilage reinforcement group and 16.8 ± 8.4 dB in the push-through group (P > .05). Postoperatively, although the postoperative ABG in the cartilage reinforcement group was higher than that in the push-through group, no significant difference was observed (11.8 ± 4.3 dB vs 8.9 ± 2.5 dB, P > .05). Additionally, no significant difference was found in ABG closure between the 2 groups (6.6 ± 1.9 dB vs 7.9 ± 4.7 dB, P > .05). Conclusion: Cartilage reinforcement myringoplasty is a simpler and more useful technique to achieve graft success compared to cartilage-perichondrium push-through for the treatment of large marginal perforations, and it does not affect hearing levels.

Endoscopic perichondrium-cartilage H type technique for repairing chronic kidney-shaped perforations with 3 years of follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate graft outcomes and complications of endoscopic perichondrium-cartilage H type technique for repairing chronic kidney-shaped perforation with 3 years of follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Adult patients with chronic kidney-shaped perforation underwent endoscopic perichondrium-cartilage H type technique. The graft outcomes and complications were evaluated at 36 months after surgery. RESULTS: The total of 51 ears were included in this study. The mean operation time was 31.5 ± 4.1 min. Residual perforation was seen in 2 patients, the graft success rate was 96.1 % (49/51) at postoperative 12 months. Granular myringitis was noted in 8.2 % (4/49) patients in 49 patients with graft success. The mean preoperative ABG was 23.6 ± 3.7 dB, while the mean postoperative ABG postoperatively 12 months was 12.9 ± 5.2 dB (P < 0.05), the functional success rate was 94.1 % (48/51). At postoperative 36 months, only 32 (62.7 %, 32/51) patients were followed up, while 19 (37.3 %, 19/51) patients lost followup. Of the 32 patients with followup of 36 months, the mean follow-up time was 38.2 ± 7.1 (37-46) months, re-perforation was seen in one. All 32 patients performed the postoperative CT examination at last followup, CT revealed the well pneumatization of mastoids and middle ear. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic cartilage-perichondrium H type technique is an alternative method for repairing chronic kidney-shaped perforations, with a highly successful, short operation time, minimally invasive procedure, and no cholesteatoma.

A comparison of coblation and modified monopolar tonsillectomy in adults.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the intraoperative records and postoperative clinical outcomes of adults who underwent coblation and modified monopolar tonsillectomy tonsillectomies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult patients with tonsillectomy were randomly divided into the coblation and modified monopolar tonsillectomy groups. The estimated blood loss, postoperative pain score, operation time, post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH), and cost of disposable equipment were compared. RESULTS: Pain intensity in the coblation and monopolar groups was similar on postoperative days 3 and 7. However, the mean maximum pain score in the monopolar group was significantly higher compared to the coblation group on postoperative days 1 (P < 0.01) and 2 (P < 0.05).Secondary PTH occurred in 7.1% (23/326) of patients in the coblation group and 2.8% (9/327) of patients in the monopolar group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although pain was significantly increased on postoperative days 1 and 2 in the modified monopolar tonsillectomy group, the operation time, secondary PTH, and medical costs were significantly decreased compared to the coblation technique group.

Effect of Packing Versus No Packing in Transperforation Myringoplasty for Chronic Tympanic Membrane Perforations.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the operation times, graft survival and success rates, audiometric outcomes, and complications of patients who underwent transperforation myringoplasty with and without packing but without perforation rimming. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: A university-affiliated teaching hospital. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial that enrolled patients who underwent underlay myringoplasty. No patient underwent perforation rimming. Patients underwent myringoplasty with or without graft lateral packing. The operation times, graft survival and success rates, audiometric outcomes, and complications were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Sixty patients with unilateral perforations were included. The mean neovascularization score at postoperative week 2 was significantly higher in the no-packing group than in the packing group (p < .01) but did not differ significantly at postoperative weeks 3 and 4, or postoperative month 3. Neither the graft healing rate (p = .313) nor the perforation closure rate (p = .640) significantly differed between the 2 groups. The mean air-bone gap improved by 8.91 ± 5.45 dB in the packing group and 8.17 ± 1.19 dB in the no-packing group (p = .758). CONCLUSION: The long-term graft success and hearing improvements in transperforation myringoplasty with no rimming of the perforation and no-graft lateral packing were comparable to those in the graft lateral packing group with no rimming of the perforation, with a low incidence of complications. These results may change the traditional practice of packing the external auditory canal and rimming the perforation in underlay myringoplasty, even for all myringoplasty surgery.

Comparison of perichondrium-cartilage double and single underlay myringoplasty for subtotal perforations: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare graft outcome, operation time and surgical complications of the double and single perichondrium-cartilage underlay techniques for repairing subtotal tympanic membrane (TM) perforations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with unilateral subtotal perforations undergoing myringoplasty were prospectively randomized to undergo DPCN or SPCN. The operation time, graft success rate, audiometric outcomes, and complications were compared between these groups. RESULTS: In total, 53 patients with unilateral subtotal perforations were included (DPCN group, 27; SPCN group, 26).All patients completed 6 months of follow-up. The mean operation time was 41.2 ± 1.8 min in the DPCN group and 37.2 ± 5.4 min in the SPCN group, the difference was not significant (p = 0.613).The graft success rates were 96.3% (26/27) in the DPCN group and 73.1% (19/26) in the SPCN group, the difference was significant (p = 0.048). During the period of follow-up, residual perforation was found at postoperative in one (3.7%) in the DPCN group, while cartilage graft slipped (graft lateralization) in 2 (7.7%) and residual perforation in 5 (19.2%) were found in the SPCN group, the difference of residual perforation was not significant among two group (p = 0.177).In addition, no significant between-group differences were observed pre- (p = 0.741) or post- (p = 0.687) operative ABG values or mean ABG gain (p = 0.659) (Table 2).The functional success rates (postoperative ABG ≤ 20 dB) were 85.2% (23/27) in the DPCN group and 73.1% (19/26) in the SPCN group (p = 0.454). CONCLUSION: Although similar functional result and operation time can be obtained with double perichondrium-cartilage underlay technique compared to the single perichondrium-cartilage underlay technique for endoscopic closure of subtotal perforations, double unerlay technique offers better anatomical result with minimum complications.