title: [Comparison between tympanoplasties with cartilage-perichondrium composite graft and temporal fascia graft in terms of hearing levels and healing].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Tarik
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sapçi
authors.forename: Senem
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Almaç
authors.forename: Canan
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Usta
authors.forename: Ahmet
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Karavuş
authors.forename: Ersin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mercangöz
authors.forename: M Fatih
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Evcimik
mesh_terms: 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