Retrospective comparison of reperforation and hearing gains in tympanoplasty using cartilage tympanoplasty and temporalis fascia

Retrospective Comparison of Reperforation and Hearing Gains in Tympanoplasty Using Cartilage Tympanoplasty and Temporalis Fascia In this study, we aimed to determine the superiority of the two most commonly used graft materials in tympanoplasty, temporal fascia and cartilage, on the success of graft retention and hearing-correcting effects. In addition, issues such as surgeon experience and clinical practice that may affect overall success were also examined. 509 ear operations of 486 patients operated in our clinic were included in this study. Pre- and postoperative examination findings and frequency-specific and average audiometry results of the patients were recorded and compared. According to the study performed on 509 tympanoplasty operations in our clinic, the success rates of graft retention were 82,4% and 90,3%, respectively, in the groups of patients using temporal fascia and cartilage grafts. There was a significant improvement in both patient groups (p <0,001 for each) and no statistically significant difference was found between each other (p> 0,05). When the average audiometry values for hearing correcting effect were compared, significant improvement was achieved in both groups (p <0,001 for each), and the grafts did not have superiority to each other (p = 0,803). It was also concluded that graft retention rate was directly related to experience (p <0,001). According to the results of our study, temporal fascia and cartilage grafts were not superior to each other in terms of graft retention and hearing corrective effects. Both graft materials can be safely used in tympanoplasty operations in accordance with the surgeon's experience and clinical practice.