title: Cartilage tympanoplasty: a reliable technique for smokers.
abstract: The aim of this study was to report our experience with cartilage tympanoplasty (CT) in smokers and compare it with that of non-smokers using a retrospective chart review at a tertiary referral center. Between September 2008 and September 2010, cartilage tympanoplasty was performed in 52 patients. Among them, 27 were active smokers and 25 former or non-smokers. The entire tympanic membrane was replaced with conchal cartilage, shaped either as a shield for cases with intact canal wall mastoidectomies, or crashed for cases with canal wall down procedures. The mean post-operative follow-up was 12 months (range 6-18 months). A complete pre- and post-operative audiologic evaluation was obtained in all patients. Graft take was successful in all patients. The overall average pre-operative and post-operative pure tone average air-bone gaps (PTA-ABG) was 52.2 dB ± 17.7 dB and 35.4 dB ± 17.9 dB, respectively, with an overall improvement of 16.8 dB (p < 0.001). A post-operative PTA-ABG of 25 dB or less was achieved in 39 (75 %) patients (p < 0.001). In smokers, the hearing improvement was 17.6 dB (p < 0.001) with a PTA-ABG of 25 dB or less in 19 (70 %). In non-smokers, the average hearing improvement was 16.8 dB (p < 0.0005) with a post-operative PTA-ABG of 25 dB or less in 19 (76 %), (p < 0.001). The results showed that the CT technique is a very effective procedure for smokers. Excellent graft take and satisfactory hearing results can be accomplished regardless of smoking habits.
authors: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hippokration General Hospital, National University of Athens, 114 Queen Sofia Avenue, 11527, Athens, Greece.
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Kyrodimos
authors: G A
authors: GA
authors: Stamatiou
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Margaritis
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Kikidis
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Sismanis
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D002356:Cartilage / Q000637:transplantation*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D054644:Ear Auricle; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012907:Smoking; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018058:Tympanic Membrane Perforation / Q000601:surgery*; D014433:Tympanoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult