[Results of microsurgery in ear malformations].

Small middle ear malformations consist of bony bridges compromising the vibration possibilities of the ossicular chain. In 17 out of 21 cases the air bone gap could be closed by microsurgery. The results in surgery of extended ear malformations with microtia, atresia of the outer ear and a malformated middle ear were not as good. In cases with aerated middle ear space the air bone gap could be reduced to 20 dB in 32 out of 45 cases (71%). When there was no air in the middle ear fenestration of the horizontal semicircular canal was performed. An improvement of hearing could be measured in 3 out of 10 cases. In 3 cases labyrinthine structures were not identified. Stenoses of the entrance of the outer ear canal and granulation in the outer ear canal could be safely prevented by using the skin-to-bone suturing technique after Zühlke and split thickness skin graft with fibrin glue in the outer ear canal.