Stability of myringoplasty based on late results

In 387 ears the late results, 3--15 years after myringoplasty with fascia, were analyzed on the basis of the character and localization of the perforation. 8.3% had recurrent perforations 0.5--2 years after operation, of which 2.8% were closed at reoperation. However, perforation recurred in 3.4% of other ears so that, at the last reexamination, the total recurrence of perforation amounted to 8.8%. Most of these were small, localized anteriorly or inferiorly. There were no differences in the frequency of the recurrent perforations related to the character of the preoperative perforation. The hearing, as judged by the air-bone gap closure, showed good stability with increasing observation time.