[Reconstruction of the wall of the canal]

In "intact" canal wall tympanoplasty, recurrent disease and retraction pockets must be avoided by repair of attic or lateral defects. Between 1983 and 1986, the authors used septal cartilage homograft in 38 cases and mastoid bone autograft in 47 cases. The uniqueness of the last technique is the preservation of fibroperiosteum with the cortical bone shaving, allowing a good adaptability in the defect. Histologic studies, clinical follow up and operative evaluation in case of second look intervention allows discussion on advantages and disadvantages of the two materials. The tolerance is good. The two procedures are variable and reliable in 80% of cases.