The Role of Mucociliary Clearance Function of Eustachian Tube as an Outcome Predictor for Type 1 Tympanoplasty.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the association between mucociliary function of the Eustachian tube using the Saccharin test preoperatively and its correlation with dynamic slow-motion video endoscopy on the outcome of Type-I Tympanoplasty in patients with inactive mucosal chronic otitis media.

METHODOLOGY

Eighty patients diagnosed with inactive mucosal chronic otitis media who underwent Type-I Tympanoplasty were included in the study. Preoperative assessment of Eustachian tube function was conducted using the Saccharin test. Results of this test were categorized as normal, partial, or gross dysfunction. Dynamic slow-motion video endoscopy was performed to assess motion and pathological factors of the Eustachian tube. Results were evaluated based on a previously validated Visual Analogue Score (VAS). Patients were followed up postoperatively for 3 months.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients with surgical failure at the end of the 1st and 3rd month postoperatively was significantly higher in cases of gross Eustachian tube dysfunction compared to those with normal and partial dysfunction (-value < 0.0001 and -value = 0.0001, respectively). Preoperative VAS scores in normal Eustachian tubes were significantly higher compared to those with partial dysfunction and gross dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

The Saccharin test is a valuable tool for preoperative evaluation of mucociliary clearance of the Eustachian tube, and dynamic slow-motion video endoscopy serves as a useful adjunct in predicting the outcome of Type-I Tympanoplasty. Routine evaluation of mucociliary clearance function of the Eustachian tube should be included in the preoperative workup for patients undergoing Tympanoplasty to achieve optimal surgical outcomes.