Reconstructive Surgery of the Middle Ear

This guide to tymanoplasty aims to help the ENT surgeon gain enough confidence to dare to operate when there is only one remaining hearing ear. The text presents all aspects of this operation and recommends the "closed method, posterior canal wall reconstruction technique".

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This book will be a companion for the surgeon performing tympanoplasty. Tympanoplasty is a unique operation which half a century ago appeared as the first functional surgery under microscopy in the history of medicine. There are several different surgical approaches to any case of chronic ear disease, and in each case, the best method of tympanoplasty should be used. The success rate of tympanoplasty should be high enough to be able to operate when there is only one hearing ear and a success rate of 100% is required. Hence, the objective of training ear surgeons is to obtain 100% confidence in their tympanoplasty. Most ear surgeons would agree, that 'closed method tympanoplasty' is the best method, of which two techniques can be chosen, 'closed method, intact posterior canal wall technique' which requires more skills because of a limited visual field, and the 'closed method, posterior canal wall reconstruction method'. The latter is recommended in this book and is shown in detail, from basic knowledge and information to expert advice. The book shows some "secrets" for those who want to be independent surgeons and good enough to dare to operate on the only hearing ear.
The book is richly illustrated. In addition it has the unique aspect of many "Box" articles. Important issues appear again in "Boxes" where they are summarized. Several "Box" articles on special subjects are contributed by colleagues who previously worked or studied in the authors' hospital.