Endoscopic vs Microscopic Tympanoplasty in Management of Mucosal Chronic Otitis Media - A Comparative Study

Dr. Yash Kumar, Dr. Navneeta Gangwar, Dr. Anju Singh

Abstract: Background: Chronic Otitis Media (COM) of the mucosal type that primarily affects the anterior inferior region of the middle ear cleft, results in permanent central perforation and is more prevalent cause of conductive hearing loss in developing countries. Tympanoplasty, aimed at restoring the integrity of the tympanic membrane and improving hearing, can be performed using either a microscope or an endoscope. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic tympanoplasty and compare it with microscopic tympanoplasty in terms of need for canaloplasty, Intra-operative visualization of middle ear structures/areas, Operative time, Duration of hospital stay, Graft uptake rate, Post operative complications Materials and Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted on patients with mucosal COM that were further divided into two groups undergoing either endoscopic or microscopic tympanoplasty. Results: However, both techniques showed comparable graft uptake rates and improvement of hearing but endoscopic tympanoplasty offered better visualization of hidden areas of the middle ear, required less operative time, fewer canaloplasty and resulted in reduced postoperative complications. Canaloplasty was required in 33.33% of patients in the microscopic group, whereas none of the endoscopic cases required it. 100% Intraoperative visualization of middle ear structures was achieved with endoscope compared to that of microscopic group particularly attic, sinus tympani, and round window. Most patients were from endoscopic group were operated within 60-90 minutes, 33% took less than 60 minutes, only 26.66% took more than 90 minutes compared to the microscopic group were significant number of patients i.e. 60% took more than 90 minutes. Similarly, the duration of hospital stay was shorter in the endoscopic group with 86.66% patients with 2 days of stay, versus maximum patients (73.33%) needed stay of 3 or more days in the microscopic group. Graft uptake rate was slightly higher in the endoscopic group at 93.33% compared to 90% in the microscopic group. Postoperative complications were also less in endoscopic group. Conclusion: Endoscopic tympanoplasty is a safe, effective, and cosmetically favorable minimally invasive alternative as compared to the conventional microscopic approach for managing mucosal COM.

Keywords: Otitis media, Chronic otitis media, Mucosal COM, Endoscopic Tympanoplasty, Microscopic Tympanoplasty, Graft uptake, Canaloplasty, Minimal invasive surgery

How to Cite?: Dr. Yash Kumar, Dr. Navneeta Gangwar, Dr. Anju Singh, "Endoscopic vs Microscopic Tympanoplasty in Management of Mucosal Chronic Otitis Media - A Comparative Study", Volume 15 Issue 1, January 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 956-960, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26115174443, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26115174443