Closure of tympanic membrane perforations by chemical cautery.

Fifty cases of dry, central, tympanic membrane perforation were studied for closure by application of saturated solution of trichloracetic acid. Aetiologically 17 cases belonged to traumatic and 33 to the inflammatory group. Eustachian tube patency and good air-bone gap on audiometry were the pre-requisites. Study concluded with 78% success with average of 2.8 applications. The patients had definite improvement in the hearing acuity and relief from other symptoms. The study highlights the achievements by using this old method.