N Mills1. 1. Department of Otolaryngology, Khon-kaen Hospital, Thailand.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The results of a number of tympanic membrane perforation closure techniques have been reported. However, relatively little has been published on the 'drum sandwich' technique. METHOD: Retrospective chart review of 123 patients undergoing type one tympanoplasty, performed by one surgeon using the drum sandwich technique. RESULTS: Ninety-two per cent of perforations were successfully closed, and 87 per cent of patients had healed ears and were free from aural discharge 6 weeks following surgery. Post-operative hearing data were only available for 81 ears. Of these, 58 per cent had closure of the air-bone gap to within 10 dB. The mean hearing gain for the group was 10.6 dB. CONCLUSION: The drum sandwich technique produces rapid healing of the ear with acceptable hearing outcomes. Drum closure rates are comparable with those reported for other techniques.
BACKGROUND: The results of a number of tympanic membrane perforation closure techniques have been reported. However, relatively little has been published on the 'drum sandwich' technique. METHOD: Retrospective chart review of 123 patients undergoing type one tympanoplasty, performed by one surgeon using the drum sandwich technique. RESULTS: Ninety-two per cent of perforations were successfully closed, and 87 per cent of patients had healed ears and were free from aural discharge 6 weeks following surgery. Post-operative hearing data were only available for 81 ears. Of these, 58 per cent had closure of the air-bone gap to within 10 dB. The mean hearing gain for the group was 10.6 dB. CONCLUSION: The drum sandwich technique produces rapid healing of the ear with acceptable hearing outcomes. Drum closure rates are comparable with those reported for other techniques.