Simple in-office closure of eardrum for troublesome small perforations after myringoplasty

Abstract

A new method of simple in-office closure of the eardrum for troublesome small perforations after myringoplasty was introduced. This technique is an over-lay method using skin grafts from the cartilaginous ear canal with the removal of epithelia around the perforation following surface anesthesia of the eardrum. Six out of 7 ears treated with this method showed successful closure, a higher than average success rate. In one case, follow-up revealed that the closure was sustained for more than three years. Our new method has many advantages including superior cosmetic results, the requirement of extremely light anesthesia, and no necessity to pack the ear canal.