Analysis on the correlation between Eustachian tube function and outcomes of type I tympanoplasty for chronic suppurative otitis media.

Background: The potential influence of Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) on the efficacy of tympanoplasty is controversial. Objective: This study aims to investigate the correlation between Eustachian tube function (ETF) and outcomes of type I tympanoplasty for chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). Materials and Methods: 53 patients with CSOM and receiving type I tympanoplasty were divided into a dysfunction group (Eustachian tube score; ETS ≤ 5points) and a normal group (ETS > 5 points) according to their preoperative ETS. During the one-year follow-up, the ETS, hearing results, and eardrum condition of the patients were recorded and analyzed. Results: The ETS improved significantly from 2.57 (±1.73SD) to 4.68 (±2.00SD), while the mean air-bone gap (ABG) decreased significantly from 20.94 (±9.04SD) dB to 16.43 (±9.06SD) dB in the dysfunction group ( p  < .05). The postoperative ABG showed no significant difference in the two groups. The healing rate of the tympanic membrane was 96.43% in the dysfunction group, and 100% in the normal group. Conclusions and significance: The ETF was significantly improved after type I tympanoplasty for CSOM combined with ETD, and the postoperative efficacy was not adversely affected. The ETD may not influence the outcomes of type I tympanoplasty for CSOM.