Studies on mastoidplasty using autogenous bonemarrow and free skingraft.

The mastoid cavity after ''debridement" becomes one of the main causes of failure in the follow-up of tympanoplasty when left unobliterated. Various trials have been made to seek an effective method of filling up the cavity. We conducted a study on mastoidplasty using autogenous bonemarrow and free skingraft and found the results were satisfactory. 15 patients were observed clinically, histologically and radiographically. We observed survival of cancellous bones and free skingraft taking in the cavity, and perfect obliteration was obtained. Successful mastoid operation in patients with perfect obliteration leads to a conclusion that the most reliable and safe treatment consists of complete excision and obliteration of excavated portions. Audiometric observation could not clarify to what extent the mastoid operation would affect hearing of high pitched sounds. It is evident, therefore, that this obliteration method is of more value in obtaining better results on the processes after mastoid operation than in improving hearing acuity to high pitched sounds.