Preliminary Experience of Combined Endoscopic Tympanic Membrane Reinforcement and Tube Occlusion for Patulous Eustachian Tube

OBJECTIVE: Tympanic membrane reinforcement and eustachian tube occlusion are procedures for treating chronic, refractory patulous eustachian tube (PET). But previous studies reported variable and unsatisfactory efficacy. This study aims to investigate the effect of combined tympanic membrane reinforcement and eustachian tube occlusion under transcanal endoscopic for treating PET. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Academic medical center. METHODS: Outcomes were assessed using a three-item Visual Analog Scales (VAS) score including voice autophony, aural fullness, and breathing autophony at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 19 ears from 19 patients were included. Transcanal endoscopic tympanic membrane reinforcement combined with eustachian tube occlusion was performed successfully in all cases without major complications. VAS scores for voice autophony, aural fullness, and breathing autophony were significantly decreased at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. The overall efficacy rate was 84.2%. CONCLUSION: These preliminary findings reveal the feasibility of a transcanal endoscopic tympanic membrane reinforcement and eustachian tube occlusion combination approach as a potential therapeutic strategy for PET.