I have had extensive ear surgery as a child including bi laterial mastoidectomy. I have had teflon ear drums and wire prosthesis. I had temporary sucess with these. Later as a 21 year old I had my first ear transplant with homograft and tympanoplasty. I did each ear in stages (2). This was very sucessful for apx 8+ years. I am now 43 years. This past year I had a "torp" implant in my left ear to correct laterialization of the left ear drum. My previous surgeon advocated the natural graft material approach. My current surgeon, of Harvard Community Health Care, advocates the use of biocompatible materials. I am scheduled to revise the right ear shortly.
Do you take a position. My prior surgeon , in Garden City, N.Y. has pioneered the homograft / tympanoplasty procedure and he continues to take an intrest in revising the original surgery.
How and where can I read up on this material. I am a laymen involved in Health Inspections for the DPH of Massachusetts. Due to my lifelong involvement with the medical community, ( I have a cleft pallet too ) . I enjoy reading up on this matter.
Thank You for taking the time.......
Reply: ---------------------
Most otolaryngologists will use autologous tissue such as temporalis fascia or veins for ear drum reconstruction and either synthetic bio-compatible materials or homologous ossicles for ossicular reconstruction. When autologous tissue is not available for ear drum reconstruction, then homologous implants may be recommended.
A comprehensive review of ossiculoplasty was published in The Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America in August 1994 entitled "Ossiculoplasty".
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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