A study on chemical cauterisation for small tympanic membrane perforation

To study the effectiveness of chemical cautery with patching on chronic tympanic membrane perforations pars tensa. Thirty-eight patients dry due to inflammatory or traumatic etiology were selected after treating primary etiological factors like septal deviation and allergic rhinitis. Fifty percentage silver nitrate was used cauterize margin perforation covered thin sterile aluminium foil as a patch. A maximum number five applications made, followed up for next 5 years. In this series 38 patients, highest success noted among those perforation, while larger reduced small pinhole sizes which successfully closed by myringoplasty. An overall rate 73.75% achieved. This is time tested useful method popularized Derlacki (1953), close moderate sized should be considered first line management in treatment prior any surgical intervention. Apart from being simple economical mode treatment, it associated minimal complications. Though various materials have been modify technique, principle remains same results obtained comparable previous ones.