[Treatment in cases of retractions of the tympanic membrane, adhesive processes and middle ear effusions with the inert gas sulfur hexa fluoride (SF6) (author's transl)].

The inert gas SF6(Sulfur Hexa Fluoride) is resorbed very slowly by the middle ear mucosa. After insufflation of SF6 into the middle ear in cases of retraction of the tympanic membrane, respectively atelectasis, and in beginning adhesive processes after tympanoplasties, pathologic negative pressure, and the retraction of the tympanic membrane can be equalized for at least 6 weeks. A precondition for this treatment is an intact tympanic membrane besides the tube dysfunction. So a temporary tube dysfunction with all its negative effects to the middle ear can be bridged. In some cases this method is successful over a long period. In the other cases the gas insufflation with SF6 can be repeated. Also in the treatment of serous middle ear effusions in adults and in cases of tinnitus caused by middle ear diseases SF6 can be helpful.