Muthubabu Kasiviswanathan1 , Thushita Nivasini Senthil2 , Alagammai Sivaraman3 , S. Srinivasan Muthiah Kothandaramanujam4
BACKGROUND To compare the outcome of the endoscopic technique and microscopic technique of myringoplasty in patients with chronic otitis media of inactive mucosal type and determine the advantages and disadvantages of both the methods. METHODS In this study, 100 consecutive patients aged between 12 and 60 years with chronic otitis media of inactive mucosal type who required surgery in our institute with myringoplasty were randomized to receive either microscopic myringoplasty (Group A) or endoscopic myringoplasty (Group B). RESULTS Between the two study groups, the post-operative hearing gain, graft uptake, and post-operative complications were similar. But the duration of surgery in the endoscopic technique was significantly less compared to the other group. This could be explained by the time taken to focus each structure to be visualized during surgery in case of microscopic assisted myringoplasty. CONCLUSIONS Microscopic myringoplasty surgery has the advantage of using two handed technique, which provides better precision and an easier learning curve. It is still the most accepted procedure performed. The advantages of endoscopic myringoplasty over microscopic myringoplasty are better magnification, versatility and duration of the surgery. Therefore we conclude that microscopic technique and endoscopic technique of myringoplasty surgery are equally effective.
