Monitored anesthesia care with target controlled infusion (TCI) in myringoplasty

Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the monitored anesthesia care MAC with target controlled infusion TCI associated to local anaesthesia in retroauricular myringoplasty, as an alternative to general anaesthesia. Methods. The study group consisted of 55 patients submitted to myringoplasty, aged 8-80. Surgery was carried out under general anesthesia (group A: 58%) and following the MAC with TCI (group B: 42%). Each patient underwent a routine preoperative and postoperative evaluation. Results. In 84% of cases the healing of the tympanic membrane was gained and there was not difference in the success rate between subjects operated on by means of general anaesthesia or in MAC with TCI. In both groups no problems were found. Conclusion. In conclusion, the MAC with TCI applied in myringoplasty does not involve the risks or side effects that can be provoked by narcosis and for this reason it can be recommended to patients with ASA >2. MAC with TCI can be considered as a first choice because of the excellent comfort for the patient as well as for the surgeon, reaching the same anatomical and functional results achieved under general anesthesia.