[Tympanic reconstruction by molded grafts. Value and results. Apropos of experience in 158 cases].

Use of a moulded aponeurotic graft, shapened and then made rigid by heat and formalin, is a seductive method of tympanic reconstruction because of its simplicity and availability. Indications for and results of the application of this method are analyzed based on experience of 158 cases, with sufficient follow up in 90. The principal indication for use is large perforations, when it is possible to exteriorize the whole canal and almost all the tympanic remains, while doubt exists as to its advantages for treatment of small perforations. Its essential advantage is in fact the ease with which the graft can be positioned on external surface of malleus and inside the remains of tympanic membrane. Overall anatomical results were very satisfactory (83.5%) if one includes in failures of treatment the apparent lateralizations of graft. Functional results were poorer, with rarely complete recovery of hearing and a certain number of labyrinthizations possibly due to injury to handle of malleus or even perforation of canal. Secondary degradation of favorable results may develop because of some degree of lateralization of the newly formed tympanic membrane. These could perhaps be avoided by the technical artifices proposed by other authors.