Atelectatic tympanic membrane reversal by nitrous oxide supplemented general anesthesia and polyethylene ventilation tube insertion. A preliminary report.

In certain instances an adherent atelectatic tympanic membrane (Sade Stage IV) may be successfully elevated off the promontory and ossicles by the use of nitrous oxide anesthesia and restored to a normal position and configuration by polyethylene ventilation tube insertion. Criteria of reversibility and long term follow-up of the tympanic membranes so restored remain to be elucidated.