A practical method in measurement of perforation size during cartilage tympanoplasty

Cartilage has been used in otologic surgery for ossicular reconstruction and grafting since 1960s. Due to low metabolic rate, stiffness and stability properties with regard to fascia, it is thought to be more effective in tympanoplasty. With the help of this measurement technique, redundant oversized harvesting of cartilage can be prevented and overmanuplation during graft replacement especially after a delicate ossiculoplasty procedure can be avoided. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the preparation of optimal island cartilage composite graft with a simple sterile suture package template for the appropriate size of the tympanic membrane perforation, and to provide a functional surgery with minimal donor site defect and minimal manipulation. With this technique, 143 patients with chronic otitis have been operated in our clinic. No complications with respect to this method, have been observed up to date. Using an easily prepared  template is a simple and effective method for measuring the perforation size.