Middle ear packing agents

Abstract

This review aims to describe the materials most commonly used for middle ear packing during tympanoplasty. These materials promote local hemostasis, limit wound surfaces, and fill the volume of the tympanic cavity. The usage of these materials is aimed at reducing the probability of developing cicatricial adhesive changes in the middle ear, stabilizing ossicular prostheses in the desired position, and maintaining the tympanic membrane graft. Main attention is paid to the description of the characteristics of materials and the results of their application in experimental and clinical studies. The pros and cons, possibilities and prospects of these materials usage in clinical practice are reflected.