Treatment of Tympanic Membrane Retraction Pockets by Excision and Cartilage Tympanoplasty: A Prospective Study.

To assess the role of cartilage tympanoplasty in management of retraction pockets of the pars flaccida. This was a prospective study at a tertiary care centre. Twenty patients having grade III or grade IV retraction pockets were included in the study. Retraction pockets were treated by excision and cartilage tympanoplasty. Findings noted on follow-up were recorded and analysed. Graft was taken up in 18 (90%) cases with residual perforation in 2 (10%) cases. Recurrence of retraction pockets was observed in 6 (30%) cases. Hearing was improved up to 15 dB in 16 (80%) cases. It is concluded that grade III and IV retraction pockets can be well managed by excision and cartilage tympanoplasty.