Tympanoplasty: prudent considerations of silent otitis media and interactions of middle ear and inner ear

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 1999 Jun;32(3):505-12. doi: 10.1016/s0030-6665(05)70148-1.

Abstract

Otitis media is a common problem, often with simple, minimally invasive solutions; however, a small subset of patients progress to chronic disease despite provision of standard therapies. The flexible approach to tympanoplasty is a prudent consideration for patients with chronic otitis media, especially children. This article discusses the findings and implications of silent otitis media, interactions of the middle ear and inner ear, and obstructive sites in the middle ear cleft. Tympanoplasty by the flexible approach is described in the context of these findings.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Chronic Disease
  • Ear, Inner / anatomy & histology*
  • Ear, Middle / anatomy & histology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Otitis Media / surgery*
  • Tympanoplasty / methods*