Tympanoplasty Outcomes: A Review of 789 Cases

INTRODUCTION: Tympanoplasty is indicated to restore hearing disability and prevent recurrent otorrhea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of patients who underwent tympanoplasty with or without mastoidectomy over a 1-year period. RESULTS: A total of 789 tympanoplasties were reviewed, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.1. In total, 91% and 9% of tympanoplasties were performed without and with mastoidectomy, respectively. Complete graft take was observed in 98.6% of cases. Approximately 25% of patients had an air-bone gap (ABG) gap ≤20dB pre-operatively, increasing to 75.6% post-operatively. ABG closure improved from 0.8% to 46.7%. Mean ABG improved from 26.30 ±8.1dB pre-operatively to 14 ± 10.41dB post- operatively (t=28.7, P<0.001). Generally, over 86% of patients had improvement in their hearing function post-operatively (mean= 12.5 ±9.5dB) (χ2= 104.2, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Tympanoplasty is an effective procedure that can lead to improvement in hearing function in patients and prevention of recurrent ear discharge. Optimal results can be achieved through use of the appropriate surgical technique.