The effect of anterior tab flap technique on graft success rate in large tympanic membrane perforation

PURPOSE Questions have been raised about the effectiveness of myringoplasty techniques for the large tympanic membrane perforation. Various surgical approaches have been recommended to achieve a satisfactory graft success rate in large tympanic membrane perforations. Consequently, there is a growing body of literature that recognizes this controversial topic in otology. The aim of the present research was to investigate the graft success rate in the anterior tab flap technique in ears with large tympanic membrane perforations. METHODS In this retrospective study, we analyzed 157 ears (belong to 157 patients) which underwent tympanoplasty, intact canal wall mastoidectomy or canal wall down mastoidectomy with anterior tab flap method. Our primary outcome was graft success rate. RESULTS We achieved a graft success rate of 89.8% (141 ears from a total of 157 ears) by the usage of anterior tab flap method. CONCLUSION We suggest anterior tab flap as a safe and effective surgical technique for large tympanic membrane perforations.