Canalplasty in Tympanoplasty – Functional and Surgical Outcome

Abstract

Background: During repair of central perforations of tympanic membrane, annulus should be visible in a single view. It helps in better placement of graft. To attain this, the bony canal is enlarged. Materials and Methods: Eighty patients with dry central perforation were selected during the period 2010–2020. Sixty patients with dry central perforation underwent tympanoplasty Type 1 with canalplasty and twenty patients were subjected to tympanoplasty Type 1 only. The method, operative procedure, and words of wisdom to give good results and prevent complications are described. Results: Patients with canalplasty had better postoperative results, and the success rate is improved as compared to only myringoplasty. The primary outcome measure of canalplasty with tympanoplasty procedure is complete re-epithelization and provision of a dry ear in 95%, whereas the final outcome without canalplasty was 90%. Conclusion: The aim of the canalplasty is to create a wide, patent, and physiological bony ear canal. Canalplasty helps to have better visualization, better postoperative care, better exposure for ossiculoplasty, time gain during graft placement, prevent lateralization, and promotes healing. It does improve the surgical outcome in tympanoplasty Type I.