Research Information System
JOURNAL OF ISTANBUL FACULTY OF MEDICINE-ISTANBUL TIP FAKULTESI DERGISI, 2025 (ESCI)
Objective: This study aimed to compare endoscopic (Group 1) and microscopic (Group 2) tympanoplasty techniques in terms of surgical success, functional outcomes, postoperative pain, and quality of life. Material and Methods: Forty-five patients who underwent tympanoplasty were retrospectively evaluated. Fifteen had endoscopic and 30 had microscopic surgery. Demographic data, surgical findings, tympanic membrane integrity, operative time, hearing thresholds, and quality of life scores were analysed. Quality of life was assessed using the Chronic Otitis Media Questionnaire-12 (COMQ-12) preoperatively and the Chronic Otitis Media Benefit Inventory (COMBI) at the 6th postoperative month. Pain was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at the 1st hour and 1st day after surgery. Hearing outcomes were evaluated through air conduction (AC), bone conduction (BC), and air-bone gap (ABG) thresholds. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in operative time, membrane perforation, or membrane integrity at 6 months (Group 1: 100%, Group 2: 93.3%; p=0.54). Age differed significantly (p=0.039), while other demographics were similar. The quality of life scores (COMQ-12 and COMBI) showed no significant difference. However, postoperative VAS scores were significantly lower in the endoscopic group at both time points (p<0.001). Both groups showed significant hearing improvement, with no statistical difference. The mean postoperative ABG was 6.88 dB in Group 1 and 7.44 dB in Group 2 (p=0.02). Conclusion: Both techniques yielded similar anatomical and auditory outcomes. However, the endoscopic approach reduced postoperative pain more effectively and may be preferred when patient comfort is a priority.