Prognostic factors in myringoplasty: a single institution retrospective chart review

Background: Tympanic membrane perforation (TMP) is the result of recurrent or chronic otitis media, iatrogenic or traumatic events. It may sometimes require a surgical repair, known as myringoplasty, with the purpose of rebuilding a barrier between the external and middle ear, and restoring a good hearing level. Objective: The aim of this study is to identify the prognostic factors that may affect the outcomes of myringoplasty. Material and methods: A retrospective chart review was carried out by including all patients who had undergone myringoplasty for TMP in our Institution in the period between January 2017 and December 2021. All the potential prognostic factors were evaluated. Results: A global success rate of 90.1% was found, with a satisfying hearing recovery in 71.5% of cases. Reperforation was demonstrated to be more frequent in children, in patients with a poor educational level, in the presence of tympanosclerosis and involvement of the anterior half of the membrane. Conclusions and significance: Our data show that knowing the prognostic factors may help adapting the techniques and indications to every single case, thus improving the outcomes of myringoplasty.