The Homograft Tympanic Membrane after 12 Years

Abstract

The homograft tympanic membrane has been utilized in reconstructive middle ear surgery since 1968. Previous reports describing its preservation and use were published in 1971, 1972, 1976 and 1978. Throughout this time the same preservative of 70% ethyl alcohol and the same surgical technique of covering the transplant with canal skin or fascia has been employed. These transplants have been used to supplement, not replace, other grafting tissues, and to improve the graft-take rate and hearing results. The graft-take rate has averaged over 90% for the past 12 years and 98% for the past 5 years. The hearing results have been satisfactory in 69 to 95% of the cases depending on the associated ossicular reconstruction. Furthermore these results have been consistent and have not deteriorated with the passage of time.