Tympanic membrane. Retraction pocket.

The author attempts to analyse the pathogenesis of the retraction pocket. Middle ear pressure, behaviour of both the tympanic membrane lamina propria and the stratified squamous epithelium are considered. Predisposing factors are presented. A conservative surgical treatment is suggested in cases of non-fixed retraction pockets; a radical surgical treatment is reserved for the fixed pockets. The management of mastoid cavities is discussed.