Outcomes of primary myringoplasty in indigenous children from the Northern Territory of Australia

Abstract

Aim: To report the surgical and audiological outcomes of myringoplasty (Type I tympanoplasty) in Indigenous Australian children living in remote and regional communities in northern Australia. Method: An observational cohort study, with prospective recording of the details of surgery. Audiological outcomes were collected independently, and these data were integrated in the present study. Children aged 5–18 year underwent myringoplasty in the Northern Territory during a program initiated by the Australian Government. Surgery was performed by surgeons drawn from across Australia. Results: 412 primary myringoplasties were performed. The mean age at surgery was 11 years. The tympanic membrane wa..