Myringoplasty in children: predictive value of preoperative assessment of Eustachian tube function

Our aim was to determine the value of preoperative Eustachian tube [ET] function assessment in predicting the results of myringoplasties in children. One hundred children suffering from inactive chronic suppurative otitis media were enrolled in this study. All children had undergone preoperative evaluation of the ET function using pressure equalizing test. Children were classified into three groups according to the ET function. The patients were operated at ORL Departments, Mansoura and Banha University hospitals between 2003 and 2006. Tympanic membrane perforations were reconstructed by autogenous temporalis fascia graft using underlay technique. Success was defined as no evidence of tympanic membrane perforation via otoscopic examination at the end of 6th month and air bone gap less than 20 dB. A success rate of 91.6% in terms of graft uptake and hearing improvement of 95.4% was seen in good ET function, compared to 36.4% graft uptake and 62.5% hearing improvement in poor ET function. This study revealed that preoperative assessment of ET function is an important factor when considering myringoplasty in children