A Comparison of Tympanometric Outcomes following Type 1 Tympanoplasty versus Type 1 Tympanoplasty with Cortical Mastoidectomy

Introduction: Tympanoplasty and cortical mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty are two well accepted approaches for treatment of mucosal variety of Chronic Otitis Media. Mastoid air cells are considered as the buffer system of middle ear and exenteration of the same may have effects on middle ear function. This study aims to assess the middle ear function between these two approaches via tympanometry. Materials and Methods: 102 patients of Chronic Otitis Media with normal middle ear mucosa were randomly divided into two groups. One group underwent Tympanoplasty and other group underwent Tympanoplasty with Cortical Mastoidectomy. Tympanometry was done preoperatively and 6 months after surgery. The results were assessed in terms of type of tympanogram, ear canal volume, static compliance, peak pressure of middle ear and pressure gradient. Result: The mean values of all variables were slightly higher with the cortical mastoidectomy group as compared to the tympanoplasty group. However, the p value was >0.05, hence the results were statistically insignificant. Conclusion: There are no statistically significant tympanometric differences between tympanoplasty as compared to tympanoplasty with cortical mastoidectomy. However, tympanometry can be an effective tool in assessment of response to particular surgery by the comparison of preoperative and postoperative changes.