Tympanoplasty surgery: a retrospective audit of surgical outcomes at a regional hospital

Abstract

Background: Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) is a common condition in our setting, resulting in tympanoplasty surgery being one of the common surgical procedures performed. Little is published regarding outcomes of tympanoplasty surgery in patients living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which has a high prevalence in South Africa.

Aims: To audit the outcomes of tympanoplasty surgeries performed, including outcomes in patients with HIV.

Methods: A retrospective review of all tympanoplasty surgeries performed at our institute. Outcomes of surgery according to patient demographics, documented HIV status, seniority of surgeon, type and techniques of graft placement and hearing outcomes were reviewed.

Results: Successful closure of perforations was 84.4%. Closure rates in the 10 patients known to be HIV positive were 100%. The number of patients meeting the criteria for The Belfast Rule of Thumb (BROT) increased from 26.3% (n = 20) preoperatively to 68.4% (n = 52) postoperatively.

Conclusions: The results are comparable to both the results obtained at a tertiary hospital and those published internationally. Successful outcomes are obtainable in patients infected with HIV; however, as to the optimal timing of this surgery, this would require further investigation.