Otolaryngology: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the role of different prognostic factors (wet, dry, size, aetiology, smoking and status of opposite ear) on the success of tympanic membrane take-up and to determine the success based on satisfaction score rate between the patient and the surgeon. To determine and define what is true success in myringoplasty in patients operated at Polokwane Mediclinic Hospital from 2003 to 2010. Study Design: Prospective, Case Control /Cohort study (at an academic tertiary hospital). Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing myringoplasty were invited and an interview with all patients at six months postoperation follow-up looking for state of the graft and patient satisfaction scores were recorded. 105 patients are included, ages 8 to 62 years old, who underwent myringoplasty by the same surgeon in otorhinolaryngology clinic in Polokwane Hospital from 2003 to 2010, totaling 108 procedures. The definition of success was based on the indication for the operation agreed upon by patient and the doctor; intact tympanic membrane, resolution of indication and satisfactory score of patient and doctor. The final evaluation was done after six months fallow-up postop period. The roles of other prognostic factors according to literature were evaluated. Results: 105 patients with total of 108 procedures were evaluated. Significant variables (p<0.05) includes patient age, gender, perforation size, site, aetiology, status of middle ear wet or dry and satisfaction score. The outcome of myringoplasty graft status (take-up) at six months postoperation follow-up. The satisfaction score of success rate perception on operation based on indication between patients and surgeon were recorded. A definition of success according to patients and doctors was formulated. Conclusions: Finally the success of myringoplasty depends on number of factors; however it is still a common operation with good outcome depend on smoking, material, cormobidities (DM,HIV), etiology, site and size of the perforation are statistical significant prognostic success outcome factors. The definition of success depends on how you define success in your own hands/doctor or patients satisfaction score according to the indication of the operation. There is statistical correlation between the doctor and patients satisfaction score. Therefore when the doctor is satisfied, the patient is usually satisfied too.

Biography

Mashudu Tshifularo is among the best ENT specialists in the country well recognized by his peers as such. The first and only Black HOD and Professor in ENT in South Africa who has trained many South African Black local specialists ENT in a period of ten years. He gave the first Black specialist and first Black female specialist in the University of Pretoria since its inception and the first Black female specialist in South Africa (Medunsa). He is the first doctor to have a patented medical device (middle ear and stapes prosthesis registered with patent office) among all ENT specialists in South Africa. Has published more than 30 articles and is currently busy with his PhD studies with the University of Pretoria.