Endoscopic versus microscopic ossiculoplasty: Does the functional outcome vary according to the type of osciculoplasty?

objectiveTo compare functional outcome of microscopic and endoscopic approach regarding type of ossiculoplasty.

methodsIn this retrospective study, cases who had undergone type-II and type-III tympanoplasty between February 2007 to September 2019 were divided into two groups according to the type of approach as microscopic and endoscopic. In cases with type-II reconstruction; Partial Ossicular chain Replacement Prosthesis (PORP), incus interposition and bone cement were used in order of frequency. Whereas in cases with type-III reconstruction, only Total Ossicular chain Replacement Prosthesis (TORP) was used. The average Air Bone Gap (ABG) was determined pre- and post-operatively for the calculation of Air Conductance Gain (ACG). The ACG, pre- and post-operative ABG values of each group were compared with regard to the type of ossiculoplasty.

resultsA total of 79 cases consisting of 32 females and 47 males who had undergone type-II and type-III tympanoplasty were enrolled. No statistically significant difference between microscopic and endoscopic approach was found in terms of ACG (p = 0.42), pre-(p = 0.23) and postoperative ABG (p = 0.99). We did not find any significant difference in terms of ACG, pre- and postoperative ABG between two approaches for type-II and type-III reconstructions (p > 0.05).

conclusionsAccording to the current study, endoscopic approach in type-II and type-III reconstruction is at least reliable as microscopic approach regarding functional outcome. Since both techniques have similar functional results, other factors (anatomic characteristics, habitude of the surgeon and duration of the surgery) should be considered when choosing the technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: In the current paper we present a retrospective comparative study of two different approaches of a particular type of otologic surgery. Level of evidence corresponds to level III.