Aeration of the middle ear and mastoid in tympanoplasty.

In order to achieve a good hearing result following tympanoplasty it is necessary to maintain an aerated middle ear space. Poor Eustachian tube function is most commonly blamed in cases of failure to obtain an adequately aerated middle ear following tympanoplasty. Although this may be the true etiology in some cases, middle ear adhesions, loss of support of the posterior canal wall and inadvertent blockage of the Eustachian tube orifice by graft material may be contributing factors. Aeration of the mastoidectomy cavity is also important to prevent collapse of the posterior canal wall, retraction pockets and to insure an adequate air reserve. Surgical techniques for prevention of these complications and a means of bypassing the totally blocked Eustachian tube are discussed.