Scanning electronic microscopy of sialit-preserved total middle-ear grafts

Twelve middle ears from human cadavers, prepared for total grafting and preserved in sialit (1:5000) for more than 10-12 months, were studied with the aid of a scanning microscope. Such investigations have not been reported before in the medical literature. The observed de-epithelialization of most of the membrane and of the ossicles and the distortion of the joints in the transmission apparatus are considered to be results of the prolonged preservation in sialit. The mesenchymal structures are well preserved an this may indicate that, after grafting, revascularization occurs along the lumina of the 'empty' vessels. Because of this finding it might be considered that the maximum duration of preservation in sialit should be no longer than 10-12 months.