[Tympanic membrane reconstruction with non-autogenous transplants and alloplastic materials]

Autogenous tissue has been the grafting material of choice in reconstruction of permanent tympanic membrane perforations. Although donor site complications are infrequent and morbidity from such harvest is usually quite low, there are nevertheless risks associated with additional incisions when autogenous tissue is used. In addition, in patients who have undergone several grafting attempts, there may be no suitable grafting material in the vicinity of the operative field. Several alternatives to native grafting material have recently become available, which have shown similar success rates of perforation closure as well as postoperative audiologic results. This article gives an overview on these non-autogenous grafts and alloplastic materials.