Endoscopic transcanal butterfly cartilage myringoplasty outcome; which parameters affect long-term results?

Background Endoscopic transcanal butterfly cartilage myringoplasty is a prominent procedure because surgeons can perform this operation without elevating the transmeatal flap. Objective To evaluate factors that affect endoscopic butterfly cartilage myringoplasty regarding graft success and hearing improvement and determine long-term outcomes. Materials and methods This study included 86 patients who underwent surgery. The rates of graft success and hearing improvement were investigated, together with the effects of sex, age, operated side, and size and location of the perforation. Results The overall graft success was 83.7%. There was a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-operation in terms of hearing improvements at 0.5, 1, and 2 kHz (p < 0.001). Sex, age, operative side, and perforation size did not significantly affect graft success or hearing improvement (p > 0.05). The perforation location was significantly associated with graft success (p < 0.05). However, the location of the perforation did not significantly affect hearing improvement (p > 0.05). Conclusions Endoscopic transcanal butterfly cartilage myringoplasty can be performed with a high graft success rate and improved hearing. However, surgeons should be more careful when treating patients with posterior perforations. Significance The location of the perforation is significantly related to graft success.