Pinch grafting of the open mastoid cavity

Secondary pinch skin grafting was performed on the mastoid cavities to promote healing of the mastoid wound after ear surgery using the open technique. Pinch grafts (multiple small grafts of the epidermal layer) were transplanted in 20 patients, soon after the mastoid cavities were covered with healthy granulation tissue in a mean of 28.5 days after the initial surgery. The grafts adapted well in 18 of the 20 patients. Epidermization was complete in a mean of 11.1 days after grafting, that is, within 40 days after the initial ear surgery. On the other hand, epidermization in 10 cases without grafting was completed in a mean of 83.3 days after the ear surgery. Thus, the pinch grafts reduced healing time by more than 40 days. The secondary application of pinch grafting was beneficial for healing of exposed mastoid cavities caused by use of the open technique tympanoplasty or radical mastoidectomy.