Clinical and economic evaluation of minimally invasive cartilaginous palisade myringoplasty

AbstractObjectives: To test the clinical and audiometric efficacy of a minimally invasive myringoplasty technique, combining cartilaginous palisades while avoiding flap elevation, for small and wide perforations.Methods: Over 4 years, this retrospective study included all patients over 6 years of age presenting an indication for myringoplasty. Several clinical and economic criteria were noted at 7 d, 2 months, 6 months and 2 years postoperative. The main outcome was the absence of perforation 2 years postoperative. The secondary outcomes were an audiometric gain at 6 months and the evaluation of the treatment cost.Results: Thirty patients underwent the minimally invasive technique and 28 patients the technique with an elevation of the tympanomeatal flap. The minimally invasive surgical procedure was shorter (p = .001). At 2 years, the tympanic closure rate was equivalent (95% versus 89.5%, p = .77). The audiometric gain was similar between the two techniques (p = .09). From a medico-economic point of view...