[Experience with fibrin glue in type-III tympanoplasty with stapes elevation]

In a retrospective study, type III tympanoplasties with stapes elevation on two groups of patients were compared. In group I (101 patients) the stapes elevations, the temporalis fascia grafts for tympanic membrane reconstruction, the grafts of periosteum and cartilage used for repair defects of the posterior bony meatal wall and the Stacke-II plasty replaced in its original position after tympanoplasty were also fixed with fibrin glue (Tissucol). Group II (control group of 102 patients) was operated with fibrin glue. In group I the fascial grafts of the tympanic membrane healed faster, more securely and without fewer complications. The external auditory canal however healed equally well in both groups. Early hearing results of type III tympanoplasty could be improved by fixing the stapes elevations with fibrin glue.