Comparing two different techniques to repair pediatric anterior tympanic membrane perforations.

Abstract Objective Compare outcomes between a microscopic and endoscopic technique for anterior tympanic membrane (TM) perforation. Methods Results of microscopic overlay (MT) and endoscopic tympanoplasty (ET) for management of anterior TM perforations from a single surgeon. Results There were 28 patients in the MT group and 35 in the ET group. The mean age was 7.1 years and 10.9 years (p  Conclusions An anteriorly based ET is a novel technique for management of anterior TM perforations. Results from this pilot study indicate that this ET approach may be an appropriate alternative to MT for difficult to repair anterior perforations. A longer follow-up will be necessary to determine its role in these perforations.