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I can well imagine that Dr. Saberman had difficulty in removing the silicone elastomer (Silastic) packing if he utilized this on radical or modified radical mastoidectomies. Perhaps I should have been more explicit in the article and warned that this was not for use in any procedure without intact canal walls. I think that common sense should prevail with the use of this material. Naturally if it is poured into a large cavity it cannot be removed through a normal-sized meatus.
I cannot agree that this is not applicable in instances where there has been moderate surgical enlargement of the bony canal. I perform canal enlarging procedures in approximately 98% of the tympanoplasties that I perform. I have not had any difficulty in removing the material in these cases.
I might also explain that when I utilize an endaural incision, I have been placing a piece of moistened, flexible