Cartilage tympanoplasty

This chapter describes two techniques for cartilage reconstruction of the tympanic membrane: the perichondrium/cartilage island flap, which uses tragal cartilage, and the palisade technique, which uses cartilage from the tragus or cymba. The perichondrium/cartilage island flap is preferred for management of the atelectatic ear and the high-risk perforation. The palisade technique is preferred in cases of cholesteatoma and when ossicular reconstruction is needed in the malleus-present situation. Descriptions of the modifications that should be taken in response to specific surgical indications are also provided and include the high-risk perforation, the ear requiring ossiculoplasty, the atelectatic ear, cholesteatoma, and pervasive Eustachian tube dysfunction.