In this paper, the clinical results of tympanoplasty in 60 cases of chronic adhesive otitis media were analyzed and the propriety of this operation was discussed. The cases with total or partial adhesion of ear drum on the promontrium were collected in this series. The healing ratio in all cases is 40% and that of type I is 65%, type II, 43%, type III, 31% and type IV, 19% respectively.
A good result is obtained in the following group:
1. Type I tympanoplasty.
2. Cases in which the removal of pathological tissue has been possible with atticotomy only.
3. Cases in which myringoplasty has been done with pedicle flap of external ear canal.
On the contrary, the results is disappointed in the following groups;
1. Type III and IV tympanoplasty.
2. Cases with polypous granulation in tympanic cavity.
3. Cases in which closed method combined with mastoidectomy is adopted.
4. Cases in which myringoplasty has been done with fascia graft only.
5. Cases in which the tympanic mucous membrane is sacrificed totally.
6. Cases with the tubal dysfunction.
The most interesting and important finding is that the healing ratio in the cases treated with open method is better than that with closed method. From the data obtained, it is concluded that the chronic adhesive otitis media is not a good indication of tympanoplasty and further technical improvements are desired.
