Outcomes of perichondrium and composite cartilage-perichondrium island grafts in type 1 tympanoplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives: In this study we compared patient outcomes after placement of perichondrium and cartilage-perichondrium grafts and explored the advantages and disadvantages of the two graft materials in terms of graft viability and hearing improvement. Patients and Methods: Sixty patients with chronic otitis media undergoing type 1 tympanoplasty using the underlay technique were randomly divided into two groups, a perichondrium graft PER group n=30 and a cartilage graft CG group n=30 . We obtained audiograms; measured pre- and postoperative airway thresholds, air-bone gap gains and anatomical graft success rates, and recorded Middle Ear Risk Index MERI scores. Results: The success rates did not differ significantly between the two groups PER group [90%, n=27]; CG group [96.7%, n=29]; p>0.05 . We found no significant between-group differences in postoperative bone and airway changes, hearing gains, or mean MERI values all p>0.05 . Conclusion: The success rates of tympanoplasty does not differ between grafts containing perichondrium or island cartilage. Thus, island cartilage grafts should be placed not only in cases at risk but also in those undergoing standard tympanoplasty.

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