[Topographic relations in the combined approach tympanoplasty technic]

In a topographic investigation the authors assessed on 20 cadaverous temporal bones the relationship between the size of the enlarged recessus facialis and the dimensions of the mastoid process as well as topographic possibilities of a lower medial communication between the trepanation cavity and sinus tympani. Only in two instances the maximal and minimal dimensions of the recessus facialis corresponded to the maximal and minimal dimensions of the mastoid process resp. The possibility to establish a lower medial communication between the trepanation and tympanal cavity depended on the size of the tip of the mastoid process and on the position of the sigmoid sinus and bulbus jugularis resp. in relation to the facial nerve.