Comparative study between over underlay with classical underlay techniques of tympanoplasty

Background: The objective of the study was to compare the over underlay tympanoplasty technique with classical underlay tympanoplasty in terms of hearing impairment, graft acceptance and complications. Methods: 60 patients of chronic otitis media, mucosal, inactive, aged between 16-60 years who presented to ENT OPD with small, medium, large and subtotal perforations having mild to moderate conductive hearing loss were included in the study. After taking informed consent, patients were randomly divided into 2 groups containing 30 patients each. In group A, graft was placed medial to the handle of malleus and medial to the annulus (underlay technique), while in group B, graft was placed lateral to the handle of malleus and medial to the annulus (over underlay technique). Both groups were reviewed after 6 months. Pre-operative and post-operative air bone gap were compared. Surgery was considered successful based on post-operative graft uptake, hearing improvement and maintenance of middle ear space. Results: In group A, re-perforation was seen in 8 cases (26.7%) whereas only 3 cases (10%) in group B had re-perforation. Medialization was noted among 4 patients in group A (13.3%), and was absent in group B. Lateralization was absent in both the groups. Post-operative hearing threshold in group A was 6.2±4.56 dB and in group B was 11.45±7.38 dB. Conclusions: Over underlay tympanoplasty is a safer technique as compared to classical underlay, showing lower rates of re-perforation or medialization and a significant improvement in hearing. Hence over-underlay is an effective method, having higher success rates.