OBJECTIVETo improve the surgery results and living quality of patients following the operation of the combined approach of tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy with close technique.

METHODSThe clinical data and following-up results of 49 patients treated with combined approach of tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy with close technique and 82 patients treated with open mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty were retrospective analyzed.

RESULTSIn the group treated with combined approach tympanoplasty, all patients got dry ear in 20 days and 31 patients' hearing level enhanced over 15 dB after the operation; but in the group treated with open mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty, only 13 patients got dry ear in 20 days and no patients' hearing level enhance over 15 dB after the operation. Although the recurrence rates between two groups were not significant difference, the patients of former group not only took a shorter recovery time and got a better hearing recovery, but also kept a normal external auditory meatus, at the same time, they need not to clear scab at fixed period all life long.

CONCLUSIONSWhen performed on carefully selected patients, combined approach tympanoplasty was a feasible surgical method to improve the surgery results and living quality of patients following the operation, however, the advanced equipment and perfect operation skill are necessary.