Objectives: To report anatomic and physiologic characteristics of the tympanic membrane, to discuss the etiology and pathogenesis of tympanic perforation, and to discuss its management.
Material and methods: After a review of the literature, different surgical techniques and the postoperative results were evaluated.
Results: The rate of tympanic membrane closure is greater than 90% for the majority of authors. Age, mucosa inflammation, pathological contralateral ear (perforation, otitis media, cholesteatoma), and surgical experience influence this result.
Discussion: Even if surgical results are good, abstention must always be proposed and all complications must be explained.
Conclusion: Palisade cartilage tympanoplasty is an effective technique for both tympanic membrane closures.