Early and Intermediate-Term Outcomes of Otoendoscopic Bridging Tympanoplasty Using Tragal Cartilage-Perichondrium Composite

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the early and intermediate-term outcomes of otoendoscopic "bridging" tympanoplasty with tragal cartilage-perichondrium composite in patients with large pars tensa perforation of tympanic membrane (TM). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 45 patients with large perforations in pars tensa of TM who underwent otoendoscopic "bridging" tympanoplasty. TM closure rates and postoperative pure-tone audiometric improvement were evaluated. RESULTS: The closure rate was 95.6%. All patients underwent pure-tone audiometry, and significant postoperative hearing improvement was observed. The primary postoperative symptoms were pruritus and aural fullness, and no major complications such as cholesteatoma or facial nerve paralysis were noted. CONCLUSION: The otoendoscopic "bridging" tympanoplasty using tragal cartilage-perichondrium composite is an effective and feasible technique for large pars tensa perforations.