Author(s)
Steven A. Zuniga, MD
Sean P. Larner, DO
David M. Souza, DO
Todd A. Hillman, MD
Douglas A. Chen, MD
Affiliation(s)
Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Abstract:
Educational Objective: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participants should be able to explain the technique of cartilage buttressed T-tube tympanoplasty and discuss the efficacy and safety of this technique for long term middle ear ventilation. Objectives: To report on the safety and efficacy of cartilage buttressed T-tube tympanoplasty for long term middle ear ventilation, specifically by examining duration of tube survival, as well as adverse events associated with prolonged middle ear intubation, including persistent tympanic membrane perforation. Study Design: Retrospective case series of patients undergoing cartilage buttressed T-tube tympanoplasty between January 2005 and December 2016 in a tertiary care neurotology private practice. Methods: Patients who underwent cartilage T-tube tympanoplasty with complete pre and postoperative audiometric data and a minimum followup duration of 12 months were analyzed. T-tube survival and adverse events including persistent tympanic membrane perforation were recorded and compared to published data for other long term middle ear ventilation techniques. Results: The study cohort included 72 cartilage buttressed T-tube tympanoplasties in 68 patients. Median tube survival was 34 months (2-131 months). Incidence of persistent tympanic membrane perforation (n=1) was 1.4%. Conclusions: Cartilage buttressed T-tube tympanoplasty is a safe and effective means of accomplishing long term middle ear ventilation with a considerably lower rate of persistent tympanic membrane perforation as compared to alternative methods of prolonged middle ear ventilation.