Molded tympanic heterograft. An eight-year experience.

Between 1974 and 1983 the molded tympanic heterograft has been employed in over 1500 cases of tympanic membrane reconstruction at the Second ENT Clinic of the University of Parma, Italy. The results obtained in 1042 patients operated on from July 1974 to December 1981 are reported herein. The tympanic heterograft offered our patients a 90% chance of cure and anatomic restoration of the middle ear; a functional recovery and serviceable hearing can be expected in more than 85% of cases. The heterograft is available in sealed sterilized vials that can be stored at room temperature; its sterility can be maintained for up to five years. There is no need for a graft bank because the heterograft can be kept in the operating theater among the other prostheses that are readily available to the surgical team.