Effects of tympanic neurectomy on experimentally induced parotid fistulae.

The present work was designed to determine whether or not tympanic neurectomy alone could cure parotid fistulae. In six adult dogs parotid fistulae were induced and the tympanic nerve was transected on the right, while the nerve on the left side was left intact as a control. Complete healing of the fistulae on the right side was noticed, while those on the left side persisted. The findings and their significance are discussed.