Objectives: To evaluate the effect of balloon Eustachian tuboplasty on the results of surgical
reconstruction of subtotal tympanic membrane perforations in cases of resistant Eustachian
tube dysfunction.
Design: Prospective randomized study.
Setting: Tertiary care university hospital.
Patients: Seventy-two patients with dry subtotal tympanic membrane perforations and resistant
Eustachian tube dysfunction, aging 19–51 years, were distributed randomly in two groups A and B.
Interventions: Both groups underwent underlay myringoplasty using temporalis fascia graft. In
group A, myringoplasty was preceded by balloon dilatation of the cartilaginous Eustachian tube.
Main outcome measures: Graft take rate, hearing results and middle ear pressure.
Results: Graft take rate at 12 months postoperative showed a significant difference between the
two groups where it was 89.2% in group A (33 of 37 cases) and 80% in group B (28 of 35 cases).
Pure tone audiometry results at 12 months postoperative showed a significant improvement of air
conduction curves at all frequencies in both groups. The middle ear pressure was significantly better
in group A at 6 months (mean pressure: 29 daPa in group A, 60 daPa in group B) and at
12 months postoperative (mean pressure: 55 daPa in group A, 79 daPa in group B)
Conclusion: Balloon Eustachian tuboplasty is a safe, easy and effective procedure that yields better
results in reconstruction of subtotal tympanic membrane perforations in cases of resistant Eustachian
tube dysfunction.