[Comparison between tympanoplasties with cartilage-perichondrium composite graft and temporal fascia graft in terms of hearing levels and healing].
OBJECTIVE
We compared the extent of healing and hearing improvement following tympanoplasties performed with the use of cartilage-perichondrium composite grafts and temporalis muscle fascia grafts.


METHODS
Fifty consecutive patients (22 males, 28 females; mean age 30+/-14 years; range 11 to 63 years) with chronic otitis media were divided into two groups to receive cartilage-perichondrium composite grafts or temporal muscle fascial grafts. All the patients were evaluated by pure-tone audiometry and otomicroscopic examination in the 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 12th months.


RESULTS
At the end of the first year, graft survival was 92% in the cartilage group, and 85% in the fascia group. Hearing levels improved at the end of the first year; however, the two groups did not differ significantly in terms of hearing improvement and graft survival. Hearing gains were greater in central and subtotal perforations. In comparison with a steady increase in the cartilage group, hearing levels remained unchanged after the sixth month in the fascia group.


CONCLUSIONS
Cartilage-perichondrium composite grafts may be easily and safely used in type I tympanoplasties, with successful results including hearing improvement.
Sapçi
Tarik
T
Department of Otolaryngology, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
Almaç
Senem
S
Usta
Canan
C
Karavuş
Ahmet
A
Mercangöz
Ersin
E
Evcimik
M Fatih
MF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D002356:Cartilage / Q000637:transplantation*; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005205:Fascia / Q000637:transplantation*; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000601:surgery*; D014432:Tympanic Membrane / Q000601:surgery*; D014433:Tympanoplasty / Q000379:methods; D014945:Wound Healing