Skull Base 2006; 16 - A037
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-958571

Surgical Management of Chronic Otitis Media

Olga Papadopoulou 1(presenter), Thomas Nikolopoulos 1, Maria Theodosiou 1, George Papacharalampous 1, Michael Tzagaroulakis 1, Eleftherios Ferekidis 1
  • 1Athens, Greece

Background: Chronic otitis media is a common otological disease in ENT departments worldwide. However, the type of surgery varies depending on surgeon and extent of disease. The aim of the present paper is to assess the current surgical management of chronic otitis media.

Material and Method: We reviewed the last 112 cases operated in our department. They were 55 females (49%) and 57 males (51%), aged from 8 to 80 years old. There were 57 left ears (51%) and 55 right ears (49%).

Results: Modified radical mastoidectomy and type I tympanoplasty were performed in 5 cases (4.4%). Modified radical mastoidectomy and type II tympanoplasty were performed in 2 cases (2%). Modified radical mastoidectomy and type III tympanoplasty were performed in 30 cases (27%). Modified radical mastoidectomy and type IV tympanoplasty were performed in 25 cases (22%). Tympanoplasty type I was performed in 26 cases (23%); tympanoplasty type III was performed in 12 cases (11%). Tympanoplasty type IV was performed in 9 (8%). Radical mastoidectomy was performed in 3 (2.6%).

Conclusions: Radical mastoidectomy tends to disappear, as patients' quality of life is equally as important as eradicating middle ear disease. The more functional surgery is the modified radical mastoidectomy, if possible with tympanoplasty. Surgerons may choose between type I or type III tympanoplasty based on which will result in a functional ear with the best possible hearing preservation.