Composite gelfoam/fascia graft: a novel technique in tympanoplasty surgery.

Background: Traditional tympanoplasty techniques require graft placement and then supporting material (GelFoam) as a two-step process. Both steps potentially disrupt accurate graft placement leading to failure and persistence of the perforation.

Methods: We demonstrate a novel technique for graft preparation and placement using composite gelfoam/fascia in which the gelfoam and fascia are compressed into a common layer and applied to the perforation and drum remnant in a single step. Placement is ergonomically efficient and effective.

Conclusion: This novel modification of traditional graft preparation and placement is simple and ergonomically efficient.