Comparative Study on Temporalis Fascia Graft Versus Tragal Cartilage in Type-1 Tympanoplasty in Paediatric Patients

The aim of the study was to compare anatomical and functional outcomes of temporalis fascia graft versus tragal cartilage graft in type 1 tympanoplasty in paediatric patients. A prospective, comparative and randomised study. A detailed history was taken from all the patients visiting the ENT OP dept after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criterion patients were enrolled for the study. Written and informed consent was taken for all the patients from legally acceptable guardians. Preoperative assessment was done and the patients were subjected to type1 tympanoplasty with Temporalis fascia graft or tragal cartilage graft. All the patients were followed up on the third, sixth postoperative months to assess hearing improvement. All the patients were followed up on the first and third,sixth postoperative months for graft status with otoscopic examination. In the present study out of 80 patients, 40 patients underwent type 1 tympanoplasty with temporalis fascia and the remaining 40 patients with tragal cartilage. Both groups were assessed postoperatively for anatomical and functional success with maximum follow up of six months. There was no statistical significance between the outcome and the age or site and size of tympanic membrane perforation. Both groups had comparable graft success rate and hearing improvement. The cartilage group had a higher anatomical success rate. The functional outcome was similar. However, there was no statistically significant difference found in the outcome of two groups. Tympanoplasty can be performed in a paediatric age group with a good success rate in suitable patients. It can be done at an early age,safely with good anatomical and functional outcomes. The age group, site or size of perforation, the type of graft used for tympanoplasty does not alter the anatomical or functional outcome significantly.