TRANSTYMPANIC MYRINGOPLASTY IN CHILDREN

Our experience with myringoplasty by the transtympanic 'push through' technique in paediatric patients is described. We have used this metho d in 40 children utilizing autologous temporalis fascia as the graft m aterial. The procedures were all performed as day cases under general anaesthesia. The overall success rate for perforation closure was 77.5 % at 6 months which is comparable to conventional methods. We conclude that the 'push-through' technique is a safe, simple, reliable and cos t-effective procedure that can be performed as a day case in paediatri c patients. It avoids the necessity for pressure bandaging or formal e ar packing. To our knowledge this is the first paper evaluating this t echnique in children. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.