To evaluate and compare the results of over-underlay graft technique with conventional underlay myringoplasty

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of over-underlay graft technique of myringoplasty and compare the results of over-underlay graft technique with conventional underlay myringoplasty. Methods: In this prospective study, 40 patients of either sex in the age group of 15u50 years with noncholesteatomatous chronic suppurative otitis media were recruited. The patients were initially managed medically to make the ear dry and after that they were operated upon. Twenty patients underwent conventional underlay myringoplasty and 20 patients underwent over-underlay myringoplasty. The follow-up period was 3 months. Results: Graft uptake and hearing improvement was comparable in both groups. Although the graft uptake was 5% lower in the group which underwent conventional underlay myringoplasty (90%) as compared to over-underlay myringoplasty (95%), however, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.5). However, there was statistically significant difference in gain in hearing threshold (gain in A-B gap) in the conventional underlay myringoplasty (14.5 dB 7.236) as compared to over-underlay myringoplasty (18.75 dB 5.349) (P = 0.04). Conclusion: The over-underlay technique, which is a hybrid of both overlay and underlay technique, allows the advantages of both methods. It improves the graft uptake rate and hearing in subtotal and large perforations.