This retrospective study compares the tympanoplasty success rate when
using a xenograft (Zenoderm) or an autograft (temporalis fascia). Fift
y-three ears were operated on over a three-year period. All the tympan
oplasty operations were performed by the same surgeon. There were 43 e
ars in the temporalis fascia autograft group and 10 ears in the Zenode
rm xenograft group. Both groups were similar with respect to patient a
ge, type of tympanoplasty, area of tympanic membrane perforation and c
ondition of the contralateral ear. The tympanoplasty success rate in t
he temporalis fascia autograft group was 95 per cent. The tympanoplast
y success rate in the Zenoderm xenograft group was only 40 per cent. A
ll Zenoderm tympanoplasty failures were regrafted with temporalis fasc
ia autograft. There was a 100 per cent success rate with this salvage
surgery. In conclusion, we suggest that Zenoderm is not a suitable gra
ft material for tympanoplasty.