Chorda tympani and its potential for the stabilization of the ossicular chain as based on the experience of the Department of Otolaryngology at the University Hospital in Kraków, Poland

Introduction: Passing through the tympanic cavity, the chorda tympani is supplied from its dedicated vessels and covered by a mucous membrane having the same composition of epithelial cells as that lining the other structures of a healthy tympanic cavity in that area.Aim: The aim of this paper is to propose the use of the chorda tympani in middle ear surgeries.Material and methods: A retrospective analysis of the records of patients receiving treatment for chronic otitis media and otosclerosis at the Department of Otolaryngology of the Jagiellonian University Medical College in terms of the operators’ use of the chorda tympani to stabilize the reconstructed ossicular chain in chronic otitis media and the head of the prosthesis placed on the long crus of the incus in otosclerosis.Results: The surgical technique is described, and very good treatment results are presented as suggestions for specific solutions for operators in middle ear surgeries.Conclusions: Chorda tympani can be used to stabilize the reconstruction of the ossicular chain.