The flexible endaural tympanoplasty: pathology-guided, pathogenesis-oriented surgery for the middle ear.

The flexible approach to tympanoplasty has been found to be adaptable to various forms of pathologic conditions found in the temporal bone, including inflammation and infection, congenital stenosis, benign and malignant tumors, and traumatic injuries. This approach finds its best indication among all pathologic conditions in the temporal bone, in the surgical treatment of otitis media, and its sequelae. A procedure conceived to treat this dynamic process must be adaptable to new circumstances and new findings and be ready to manage unexpected situations. The flexible tympanoplasty is a step-wise approach designed to explore the contents of the middle ear methodically and in the process disclose, confirm, and often treat disease.