The predictive value of eustachian tube function (measured with sonotubometry) in the successful outcome of myringoplasty.

Sonotubometry, as a technique for assessing Eustachian tube function, does not rely on an intact tympanic membrane. This device has been used to study 25 patients having myringoplasty who all had preoperative testing and post-operative testing at 4 months. The overall success rate for grafting was 76%. In those who had normal preoperative tubal function the success rate was 86%, as opposed to 67% in those whose preoperative tubal function was poor. This difference was not statistically significant. In all those patients where poor preoperative function ended with successful grafting, post-operative tubal function reverted to normal. Other factors also taken into account, such as the patient's age, size of the perforation and the operative difficulty, had no bearing on the outcome of surgery.