The use of Silastic in tympanoplasty surgery

Silastic has a relatively high incidence of late complications when used as a middle ear liner in unstaged tympanoplasty procedures. This does not seem to be the case in staged procedures when it is removed at the second operation or in cases where small pieces are used to prevent refixation of the malleus or stapes. At the present time, the use of gelfilm seems to be the most acceptable alternative.