Does Graft Preparation Matter? Comparing Dry and Wet Temporalis Fascia in Tympanoplasty

Background: Type I tympanoplasty, used to repair the pars tensa of the tympanic membrane with an intact middle ear ossicles, has undergone numerous advancements. One key variation involves using either a wet or dry temporalis fascia graft, with ongoing debate regarding their comparative effectiveness. Objective: To evaluate and compare graft uptake and postoperative hearing improvement between dry and wet temporalis fascia grafts in Type I tympanoplasty. Materials and Methods: This comparative study included patients aged 18–60 years with uncomplicated chronic tubotympanic otitis media and no prior ear surgeries. Participants were divided into two groups based on graft type – wet or dry fascia. Postoperative outcomes were assessed at 6 months. Results: In the wet graft group, 72% of patients achieved hearing improvement >10 dB, with a mean gain of 10.85 dB. The dry graft group showed similar results, with 76% achieving >10 dB improvement and a mean gain of 10.65 dB. Graft uptake was 85% in the dry group and 81% in the wet group. Differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Both wet and dry temporalis fascia grafts yield comparable and favorable outcomes in Type I tympanoplasty. Either technique can be safely used in the surgical management of chronic otitis media.