“Window Shade” Tympanoplasty for Anterior Marginal Perforations

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Anterior marginal perforations of the tympanic membrane often present a reconstructive challenge to the otolaryngologist. Poor surgical outcomes are often due to inadequate exposure, a lack of residual tympanic membrane, impaired vascular supply, and delayed healing. This study reports on the success of the "window shade" technique, combining aspects of both the traditional underlay and overlay tympanoplasty techniques, for the management of anterior marginal tympanic membrane perforations. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of patients undergoing window shade tympanoplasty from July 1, 1994, to July 1, 2003, at a tertiary care referral center. METHODS: Only patients found to have anterior tympanic membrane perforations and who underwent a window shade tympanoplasty were included in the study. Tympanoplasty success rate was studied by examining postoperative complications of recurrent perforation, tympanic membrane lateralization, or anterior blunting. RESULTS: The authors identified 164 patients who underwent window shade tympanoplasty during the study period. The overall success rate for tympanic membrane repair was 94.5%. There were no cases of tympanic membrane lateralization or significant blunting. The average healing time was 4 weeks. The surgical technique is described in detail. CONCLUSION: The window shade tympanoplasty is an excellent surgical option for repair of anterior marginal perforations of the tympanic membrane.