Tympanoplasty graft preparation using ear drops containing polyethylene glycol, flumethasone and clioquinol.

The aim of tympanoplasty graft preparation is to stiffen the fascia or perichondrium and thereby to optimise ease of manipulation. We report 39 cases utilising a novel technique in which the graft is prepared in ear drops containing polyethylene glycol, flumetasone pivalate (0.02 per cent) and clioquinol (1 per cent). This technique is useful in reducing the risk of desiccation if placement is delayed, and may pose less risk of infection and mechanical damage than alternative methods.