Homograft septal cartilage for attic support in intact canal wall tympanomastoidectomy and tympanoplasty.

The postoperative formation of attic retraction pockets following tympanoplasty, with or without mastoidectomy, has often been a significant cause of recurrent disease accompanied by decreased hearing levels. Nasal septal cartilage is recommended as a successful homograft material for attic support. The basis and indications for its use are discussed. Preparation and storage of the homograft materials and surgical technique are described. Long-term results are reported, including a special group in which the status of the homograft material was assessed during revision surgery. Minimal complications have been encountered. Conclusions support the overall advantages of this technique utilizing homograft septal cartilage as an effective means of posterosuperior canal wall support, an aid in preventing retraction pocket formation.