THE SINGAPORE SWING

The use of a rotation pedicled flap, entitled the 'Singapore Swing', c omprising temporalis fascia and mastoid periosteum, is presented as a new method of promoting healing in 'open' mastoid surgery for chronic ear discharge. Cadaver studies show that the main blood supply of the flap is derived from a branch of the postauricular artery which enters the pedicle near the mastoid tip. A review of the first 14 operations showed complete healing with dry ears and intact tympanic membranes i n all instances, three cases requiring secondary grafting of residual perforations. We consider the results sufficiently encouraging to meri t an extended trial of the technique.