ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Otorinolaringologia 1998 March;48(1):5-9

Copyright © 2000 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

Transmeatal underlay myringoplasty with homologous temporalis fascia.

Albera R., Riontino E., Milan F., Giordano L., Lacilla M., Bussi M., Magnano M., Gervasio C. F., Cavalot A. L., Ferrero V.

Università degli Studi - Torino Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Clinica II Cattedra di Otorinolaringologia

Background. The aim of the study was to evaluate indications and results of transmeatal underlay myringoplasty.
Methods. The study population was composed of 65 patients ranging from 3 to 73 years of age (mean age 39 years) affected by tympanic perforations, above all posterior, that could be completely seen at the otomicroscopic inspection. Patients were submitted to transtympanic underlay myringoplasty with homologous dehydrated temporalis fascia. In 3 cases the operation was conducted in general anesthesia while in all the other cases local anesthesia was adopted.
Results. In 82% of cases the closure of the tympanic perforation with a healing time ranging from 10 to 35 days was obtained. After surgery the average air-bone gap improved of 8 dB and in 77% of patients it closed to within 10 dB. In cases with a reperforation of the drum the new perforation was always smaller and auditory function did not worsen significantly.
Conclusions. Transmeatal underlay myringoplasty with homologous dehydrated temporalis fascia could be considered a quick and easy technique allowing to achieve tympanic membrane closure in a percentage of cases that is only a little inferior if compared to more aggressive techniques. This low-risk and well-accepted procedure appears indicated as the first approach in the treatment of tympanic membrane perforations that could be completely seen at the otomicroscopic inspection.