Role of eustachian tube function in outcomes of tympanoplasty: A prospective study

• Author Details:   
• Ramasridhar Madabhushi
• Karthik Dandaboina ^*
• Mounika Chinthapatla
• Imlirenla Longchar

---

Background: The eustachian tube (ET), or pharyngotympanic tube, is critical for middle ear pressure regulation and clearance. ET dysfunction (ETD) is a common condition in otolaryngology, particularly in children, and is linked to inflammatory responses within the ET lumen. This study evaluates the role of ET function in the success of tympanoplasty in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) of the mucosal type.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Adilabad, Telangana, India, from April 2023 to March 2024, involving 100 patients aged 18-65 years. Patients underwent otoendoscopy, diagnostic nasal endoscopy, pure tone audiometry, and ET function tests (Valsalva, methylene blue, saccharine, and Toynbee). Tympanoplasty, with or without mastoidectomy, was performed, and outcomes were correlated with ET function.

Results: Results showed that 76% of patients had normal ET function, with 97.4% of these achieving successful graft uptake compared to only 25% of those with poor ET function (p < 0>

Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of assessing ET function preoperatively to enhance tympanoplasty success and recommends corrective measures for patients with partial or absent ET function to optimize surgical outcomes and minimize complications.

Keywords: Eustachian tube, Eustachian tube dysfunction, Puretone audiometry, ET Function tests.