Does balloon Eustachian tuboplasty increase the success rate in repair of subtotal tympanic membrane perforations with resistant tubal dysfunction?

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of balloon Eustachian tuboplasty on the results of surgical reconstruction of subtotal tympanic membrane perforations in cases of resistant Eustachian tube dysfunction.DesignProspective randomized study.SettingTertiary care university hospital.PatientsSeventy-two patients with dry subtotal tympanic membrane perforations and resistant Eustachian tube dysfunction, aging 19–51 years, were distributed randomly in two groups A and B.InterventionsBoth groups underwent underlay myringoplasty using temporalis fascia graft. In group A, myringoplasty was preceded by balloon dilatation of the cartilaginous Eustachian tube.Main outcome measuresGraft take rate, hearing results and middle ear pressure.ResultsGraft take rate at 12 months postoperative showed a significant difference between the two groups where it was 89.2% in group A (33 of 37 cases) and 80% in group B (28 of 35 cases). Pure tone audiometry results at 12 months postoperative showed a significant improvement of air conduction curves at all frequencies in both groups. The middle ear pressure was significantly better in group A at 6 months (mean pressure: −29 daPa in group A, −60 daPa in group B) and at 12 months postoperative (mean pressure: −55 daPa in group A, −79 daPa in group B).ConclusionBalloon Eustachian tuboplasty is a safe, easy and effective procedure that yields better results in reconstruction of subtotal tympanic membrane perforations in cases of resistant Eustachian tube dysfunction.