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Early healing and hearing improvement following type one tympanoplasty using the 'drum sandwich' technique.

BACKGROUND
The results of a number of tympanic membrane perforation closure techniques have been reported. However, relatively little has been published on the 'drum sandwich' technique.


METHOD
Retrospective chart review of 123 patients undergoing type one tympanoplasty, performed by one surgeon using the drum sandwich technique.


RESULTS
Ninety-two per cent of perforations were successfully closed, and 87 per cent of patients had healed ears and were free from aural discharge 6 weeks following surgery. Post-operative hearing data were only available for 81 ears. Of these, 58 per cent had closure of the air-bone gap to within 10 dB. The mean hearing gain for the group was 10.6 dB.


CONCLUSION
The drum sandwich technique produces rapid healing of the ear with acceptable hearing outcomes. Drum closure rates are comparable with those reported for other techniques.