[Replacement of the tympanic membrane by corneal transplantation (keratomyringoplasty)]

The authors present a new method of the substitution of the ear-drum with cornea transplantation, applied with success in 28 cases. They have established that the various tissues (skin, veins fascia, etc.) applied up to now for myringoplastic are not so suitable as the cornea, because the latter is similar to the ear-drum, according to its histological construction and physical properties. The execution of the operation, the technique of the removal of the cornea from a corpse, as well as the preparation of the auditory meatus and the inserting of the cornea are discussed in detail. The removal of the cornea can be carried out in its whole or lamellated. In contrast to ceratoplastic, the cornea need not remain transparent in ceratomyringoplastic, because, in the latter case, only its tectorial and sound-conduction effect is needed.