Use of dehydrated temporal fascia in chronic otitis media surgery and tympanoplasty

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the use of homograft dehydrated temporal fascia (Tutoplast) in repair of tympanic membrane perforations secondary to chronic otitis media. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Dehydrated temporal fascia was used during tympanoplasty in 17 patients (10 females, 7 males; mean age 34 years; range 15 to 53 years) with chronic otitis media. Operations were type 1 tympanoplasty in six patients, tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy in three patients, and revision tympanoplasty and/or mastoidectomy in the remaining patients. The patients were followed-up for at least two years. RESULTS: Complete wound healing was achieved without complications, and the material used was well tolerated in all the patients. Only one patient had a small perforation. The tympanic membranes were anatomically intact in 16 patients (94%). CONCLUSION: The use of dehydrated temporal fascia provides maximum microsurgical comfort due to its soft, flexible feature and maintenance of its delicacy even in contact with blood. Thus, dehydrated temporal fascia should be considered for selected cases for its ease of use and anatomical success.