TITLE:
Endoscopic vs. Microscopic Tympanoplasty: A Comparative Analysis of Anatomical and Audiological Results from a Single-Center Experience in Yemen
AUTHORS:
Abdulkareem K. Al-Balasi, Dina M. Omer
KEYWORDS:
Microscopic Tympanoplasty, Endoscopic Tympanoplasty, Ear Surgery, Tympanic Membrane
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.12 No.9,
September
24,
2025
ABSTRACT: Background: Tympanoplasty has been performed since the 1950s using microscopic techniques. Endoscopic Tympanoplasty (ET) was introduced in the late 1990s and has gained popularity for its benefits. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of audiological and anatomical results of ET to Microscopic Tympanoplasty (MT) conducted by a single surgeon. Study Design: This was a retrospective review of patients who underwent either MT or ET type-one tympanoplasty between January 2024 and December 2024. ET was performed using a Karl Storz endoscope. MT was performed via a conventional post-auricular approach using a Sensora Zeiss Microscope. In both Techniques, diluted epinephrine was injected, and the tragal cartilage grafts were sliced to be thin and positioned using the underlay technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS V.20.0. Results: The study included 80 patients, of whom 36 (45%) underwent MT and 44 (55%) underwent ET. Postoperatively, there was no statistically significant difference in pre- and post-operative PTA values, and the postoperative air bone gap (ABG) was statistically significant (P = 0.04). Grafting was considered successful in 41 patients (93.2%) in the ET group and 34 patients (94.4%) in the MT group. Conclusion: This study found comparable anatomical outcomes and hearing improvement for both techniques, and the postoperative ABG was better in the ET group.