Treatment of adhesive otitis media by tympanoplasty combined with fascia grafting catheterization

The best surgical method for the management of adhesive otitis media is controversial. The aim of the study was to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of tympanoplasty combined with fascia grafting catheterization in the treatment of adhesive otitis media.

This was a retrospective study of patients with adhesive otitis media and who underwent tympanoplasty combined with fascia grafting and catheterization between April 2015 and December 2016 at the Eye-Ear-Nose-Throat Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University. All injured ears were examined by pure tone audiometry at 0.5, 1 and 2 kHz before and at 3 months after operation.

Thirty-five patients (35 ears) were followed for 12–44 months. The air-conduction pure tone average was 31.7 ± 12.3 dBnHL. Hearing of 28 patients (80%) was improved to a practical level within 40 dBnHL, but 2 patients (6%) had no change in postoperative hearing. Numbers of patients with spontaneous prolapse, artificial removal of tympanic membrane ventilation tube, and unobstructed in place were 15, 12, and 8, respectively. Twenty-seven patients had perforations left after the prolapse and removal of tympanic membrane ventilation tubes, of which 22 (81%) had perforations healing by themselves. All patients had dry ears after operation, without recurrence. Thirty-three patients (94%) had dry ears within 3 months and only 2 patients (6%) for more than 6 months.

Tympanoplasty combined with fascia grafting catheterization is effective in the treatment of adhesive otitis media.