The impact of adding platelet-rich plasma during fat graft myringoplasty for managing medium-sized tympanic membrane perforations: A prospective randomized case-control study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding platelet-rich plasma (PRP) during FGM to close medium-sized TM perforations. METHODS: This prospective randomized case-control study was conducted from February 2017 to March 2022. We included 320 patients with a medium-sized TM perforation with inactive mucosal otitis media. Transcanal FGM managed all patients under general or local anesthesia according to the patient preference. According to PRP, patients were divided into two groups: the first with PRP (170 patients) and the other without PRP (150 patients). We evaluated the closure rate of both groups one month, six months, and one year after the surgery. Also, we assessed the audiological performance before and one year after the operation for the patients with a successful closure. RESULTS: The closure rate was 87.6 % in the first group and 72.7 % in the second group, with a statistically significant difference between both groups as the P-value, was 0.001. Successful closure of the ABG to <10 dB occurred in 95.3 % of group A and 90.8 % of group B without a statistically significant difference between both groups (P-value = 0.163). CONCLUSIONS: This prospective comparative study on a relatively large number of patients revealed that FGM effectively closed medium-sized TM perforations. It also significantly improved postoperative audiological performance in both groups. Adding PRP during the FGM enhanced the closure success and the healing process without recorded complications. We recommend using the PRP in the routine FGM for closing medium-sized TM perforations.

Trans-canal tragal cartilage myringoplasty; a comparative analysis of endoscopic and microscopic approaches.

BACKGROUND: The advent of Endoscopic Ear Surgery (EES) has allowed otologists an improved view of the surgical field compared with conventional Microscopic Ear Surgery (MES). EES presents different challenges for surgeons and a learning curve is necessary. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of EES and MES for trans-canal tragal cartilage myringoplasty, an entry level EES. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed patients who underwent push through trans-canal tragal cartilage myringoplasty in our institution over 5 years (2016-2020). Exclusion criteria were: patients with prior ear surgery, non-tragal cartilage tympanic membrane graft, additional procedure at time of surgery and patients with insufficient follow up. EES and MES groups were compared using outcomes such as graft success rate, changes in pure tone audiometry (PTA), operative time and complications. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients met inclusion criteria (MES = 38, EES = 36). Mean age of included patients was 29.3 years with no significant demographic differences between groups. Graft success rate at 12 months was higher among the EES group versus MES (94.4% v 86.8%, p = 0.43). Mean operative time was reduced in the EES group (47.3 min v 53.8 min, p = 0.04). Hearing outcomes did not differ significantly between groups. No major operative complications occurred in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes were marginally better in the cohort who underwent EES. This supports that EES offers an otologic choice to complement established practice for trans-canal myringoplasty and may be used to facilitate introduction to EES for trainees and otologists wishing to learn this technique.

Prophylactic antibiotics has no benefit for outcome in clean myringoplasty-A register-based cohort study from SwedEar.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate if prophylactic antibiotics (PA) in conjunction with myringoplasty of clean and uninfected ears entails a reduction of postoperative infections within 6 weeks after surgery, and whether it affects the healing rate of the tympanic membrane (TM) at follow-up, 6-24 months after surgery. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data. SETTING: Data extracted from The Swedish Quality Register for Ear Surgery (SwedEar), the years 2013-2019. PARTICIPANTS: All patients in SwedEar with a registered clean conventional myringoplasty (tympanoplasty type I) including a follow-up visit. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The effect of PA use on TM healing rate at follow-up and postoperative infection within 6 weeks of surgery. RESULTS: In the study group (n = 1665) 86.2% had a healed TM at follow-up. There was no significant difference between the groups that had PA administered (87.2%) or not (86.1%). A total of 8.0% had a postoperative infection within 6 weeks. Postoperative infection occurred in 10.2% of the group that received PA (n = 187) compared with 7.7% of the group that did not receive PA. However, this difference was not statistically significant. Postoperative infection within 6 weeks significantly lowered the frequency of healed TMs. CONCLUSION: PA administered during clean conventional myringoplasty does not improve the chance of having a healed TM at follow up, nor decrease the risk of having a postoperative infection within 6 weeks after surgery.

Clinical and morphological results of xenografts to use in myringoplasty.

The main aim of our study was to study morphological state of the autograft from the fascia of the temporal muscle in myringoplasty. Until now, there is no consensus on issue of which fabrics are more suitable for use in the eardrum. We decided to study of use of an autograft from the fascia of the temporal muscle for myringoplasty in rabbits in the experiment, and in patients with chronic dry mesotympanitis. An electron microscopic examination of the fascia taken immediately, after 10, 20 min and 1 h after sampling. It was found that there are no gross destructive changes in the fascia structure. Minor changes are detected in the form of a light disorganization of the collagen complex, granular dystrophy with an increase in cell. Inflammatory diseases of the middle ear are widespread among population of all age groups. In the experiment, a positive result was obtained in 29 (82.8%) rabbits. In our research we performed morphological features of xenograft engraftment in an experimental animal on 3, 7, 14, 21 days and 1-3 months. In period from 3 days to 3 months after operation, the animals were euthanized by an air embolism and subjected to pathological examination. Then recovered xenograft, was examined macro and microscopically. Pieces were fixed in a 10% solution of neutral formalin. After washing with water, dehydration was carried out in alcohol and chloroform, and after, waxed with paraffin. Histological sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Collagen fibers were detected by method of Vann-Gieson.

Determinants influencing success rates of myringoplasty in daily practice: a retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine influencing factors on tympanic membrane closure and their consequence on absolute risks of closure and hearing improvement in myringoplasties. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: Medium-sized medical centrum. PARTICIPANTS: 195 patients were analysed who underwent a myringoplasty between January 2015 and February 2017 at the Jeroen Bosch Hospital in The Netherlands. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient-related data, descriptions of the tympanic defect, surgical data, and the most important follow-up data were collected. Primary outcome is successful closure of the tympanic membrane and the secondary outcome is the amount of air-bone gap improvement after surgery. RESULTS: The overall success rate of the myringoplasty graft was 74.9%. If cartilage and butterfly graft were used, higher success rates of 85.4% and 85.5% were achieved compared to temporalis fascia (61.3%). Success rate of the operation was dependent of the skills of the surgeon. Chances of success are 91.9% if the operation is performed by an experienced surgeon using cartilage and 66.7% if a less experienced surgeon uses fascia. If a postoperative complication occurs or when silastic sheets are used, this might have a negative effect on the success of the operation. The mean ABG improved 10.10 dB if the perforation was closed compared to 3.38 dB after an unsuccessful procedure. CONCLUSION: The success rate of a myringoplasty is dependent of the skills of the surgeon and type of graft used and varies between 91.9 and 52.0% depending on these factors.

Intraoperative thermal safety of endoscopic ear surgery utilizing a holder.

PURPOSE: Despite the ever-growing popularity of endoscopic ear surgery (EES), there are still concerns regarding the potential thermal risk associated with the use of light sources and also questions raised about the thermal safety of extended stationary applications of endoscopes with holders that allow the use of both hands in the middle ear. The temperature changes witnessed during EES when using different calipers on static endoscopes fitted with camera holders during true operations were measured, and effects of varying light source intensities, as well as the cooling effect of irrigation and suction, were investigated. METHODS: This study included 12 patients with chronic otitis who were scheduled to undergo myringoplasty surgery. Two of five different endoscopes with xenon light sources (4 mm-0°, 3 mm-0°, 2.7 mm-0°, 3 mm-45° and, 2.7 mm-30°) were used on each patient. Following irrigation and aspiration, gradually increasing heat measurements were recorded at two-minute intervals using a thermocouple thermometer for the entire period the endoscope remained in the ear. Three measurements obtained within the final 6 min, all of which were the same and reached a plateau, were considered to be the peak heat value. Measurements were repeated twice in each patient at 100% and 50% light intensities. RESULTS: The highest heat was recorded by the 4 mm-0° endoscope, with heats at 100% and 50% light intensity recorded as 48.4 °C and 43.2 °C, respectively. The highest heat was measured by the 2.7 mm-0° endoscope, and heats recorded at 100% and 50% light intensities were 37.8 °C and 35.3 °C, respectively. CONCLUSION: Stationary use of endoscopes with 3 mm and smaller calipers without irrigation or aspiration, the heat in the middle ear would appear to be safe, and at a level that does not cause thermal trauma to tissue. The present study demonstrates that frequent aspiration or intermittent irrigation may prevent potential thermal damage, even in procedures performed using endoscopes of a 4 mm caliper. Light intensity settings of 50% can be adopted as a further safety measure against potential thermal risk without compromising visual acuity.

Anatomical and functional long-term results of endoscopic butterfly inlay myringoplasty.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term anatomical (graft success) and functional (audiological) results of endoscopic butterfly inlay myringoplasty. METHODS: The files of 56 patients (29 female, 27 male) who were diagnosed with noncomplicated chronic otitis media and underwent endoscopic butterfly inlay myringoplasty in 2014-2016 at a tertiary referral center were reviewed. Age, gender, follow-up time, perforation location (anterior, posterior and central), perforation size (small, medium), pre- and postoperative pure tone audiometry (PTA) thresholds, pre- and postoperative air-bone gaps (ABG) and complications were noted. RESULTS: Graft success rate was 98.2% in postoperative 12th month and 94.6% in postoperative 24th month. In all patients, mean PTA for air conduction was 35.2 ± 3.9 dB preoperatively and 27.5 ± 4.3 dB in postoperative 6th month, 25.1 ± 3.5 dB in postoperative 12th month and 20.4 ± 3.2 in postoperative 24th month. Preoperative mean ABG was 24.2 ± 3.8 dB, whereas 19.5 ± 4.3 dB 6 months after surgery, 17.1 ± 3.5 dB 12 months after surgery and 12.4 ± 3.1 dB 24 months after surgery. There was significant difference between pre- and postoperative PTA and ABG in all 6th, 12th, 24th month follow-up (p = 0.001 for all measurements). Three patients (5%) had myringitis after surgery. Two patients (3%) had total graft resorption. CONCLUSION: We suggested that endoscopic butterfly inlay myringoplasty is a safe surgical method with high graft success and effective hearing reconstruction. Follow-up is necessary for at least 2 years for precise anatomical and functional evaluation of the surgery.

Intramuscular Fentanyl and Ketorolac Associated with Superior Pain Control After Pediatric Bilateral Myringotomy and Tube Placement Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Bilateral myringotomy and pressure equalization tube insertion (BMT) is the most common surgery in children. Multiple anesthetic techniques for BMT have been proposed, but that which reliably promotes ideal recovery remains unclear. We sought to assess associations between anesthetic regimens that included single-agent (fentanyl or ketorolac) or dual-agent (fentanyl and ketorolac) analgesic therapy and the primary outcome of maximal postanesthesia care unit (PACU) pain score. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital rescue analgesic administration, recovery time, and emesis incidence. METHODS: Principal analysis was conducted on a retrospective cohort of 3669 children aged 6 months to <7 years who underwent BMT over a 16-month period and received intraoperative fentanyl and/or ketorolac. Routine anesthetic care included preoperative oral midazolam, general anesthesia via a mask maintained with sevoflurane and N2O or air in O2, and intramuscular analgesic administration. Multivariable analyses were performed examining relationships between analgesic regimen with the following outcomes: maximum PACU Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) score = 0 or 7 to 10, oxycodone administration, and time to discharge readiness. Demographic variables, midazolam exposure, and location (main hospital vs ambulatory surgery center) were included in the multivariable analyses as potential confounders. Associations with postoperative vomiting were studied separately in 2725 children from a subsequent, nonoverlapping 12-month period using similar inclusion criteria. Fentanyl and ketorolac dose-response relationships were evaluated for selected outcome variables. RESULTS: Maximum FLACC = 0, maximum FLACC score of 7 to 10, and oxycodone rescue were most strongly associated with dual-agent therapy versus single-agent ketorolac: odds ratios 4.89 (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.04-5.93), 0.13 (95% CI, 0.10-0.16), and 0.11 (98.3% CI, 0.09-0.14), respectively, P < .001 for each). Minor associations were found for age, Hispanic ethnicity, midazolam, and location, and none for sex or race. For subjects managed with higher dose fentanyl (≥1.5 µg/kg) and ketorolac (≥0.75 mg/kg), 90% had no demonstrable pain, agitation, or distress. Mean discharge readiness times were 21 ± 11 minutes (ketorolac), 26 ± 16 minutes (fentanyl), and 24 ± 14 minutes (dual) (P < .0001). Postoperative emesis incidences associated with ketorolac (2.7%) versus dual therapy (4.5%) were not different (P = .08). CONCLUSIONS: In this large retrospective pediatric BMT study, combination intramuscular fentanyl/ketorolac was strongly associated with superior PACU analgesia and reduced need for oxycodone rescue without clinically significant increases in recovery time or emesis incidence. Combination fentanyl at 1.5 to 2 µg/kg and 1 mg/kg ketorolac was associated with optimal outcomes. Dual therapy appears similarly effective in children of either European Caucasian or African ancestry or of Hispanic ethnicity.

Role of Endoscopic Modified Inlay Butterfly Cartilage Perichondrium Myringoplasty in Hearing Outcome and Graft Uptake.

Background The endoscopes have better optics and magnification with wide angle of view due to angled lenses. It provides the excellent resolution of image in surgeries having many difficult anatomic nooks and corners like; antero-inferior recess of external auditory canal, middle ear cavity and difficult areas to visualize under microspore like sinus tympani. Likewise, the use of cartilage has very low metabolic rate, provide support to prevent retraction and reacts minimally to inflammatory reaction, so it has advantageous role in closure of tympanic membrane perforations. Objective The main objective of our study is to see the graft uptake rate and hearing results after endoscopic cartilage myringoplasty with our own modification. Method This is a prospective, cohort study conducted among 37 patients who underwent endoscopic modified inlay butterfly cartilage perichondrium myringoplasty using tragal cartilage. The hearing was assessed by comparing pre with post-operative ABG (Air bone gap) and ABG closure in speech frequencies (500Hz, 1KHz, 2KHz, 4KHz). Result Among 42 patients, 37 (88.09%) had graft uptaken. Other five patients had residual perforation because of infection. The post-operative ABG was smaller than pre-operative ABG.(26.41±8.47dB and 36.57±12.13dB respectively). The mean ABG closure was 10.15±10.23dB. The ABG closure was ≤ 10dB in 28(75.6%) patients. Conclusion Endoscopic modified inlay butterfly cartilage perichondrium myringoplasty has advantages in terms of hearing results and graft uptake rate as it is comparable or even better than others. So, it is advisable to perform this technique without any difficulty.

Fat-plug myringoplasty of ear lobule vs abdominal donor sites.

The purpose of this study is to compare the success rates of fat-graft myringoplasties harvesting adipose grafts from different donor sites (ear lobule vs abdomen). The clinical records of 61 patients (24 males and 37 females) who underwent fat-plug myringoplasty (FPM) were reviewed retrospectively. Fat from ear lobule (FEL) and abdominal fat were used as graft materials. The impact of age, gender, systemic diseases, topography of the perforation, utilization of fat graft materials of different origin on the tympanic membrane closure rate and the effect of FPM on hearing gain was analyzed. Our tympanic membrane (TM) closure rate was 82 %. No statistical significant difference was observed regarding age, gender, comorbidities (septal deviation, hypertension and diabetes mellitus) or habits (smoking). Posterior TM perforations had significantly lower healing rate. The change in TM closure rate considering different adipose tissue donor sites was not statistically significant. The hearing gain of the patients was mostly below 20 dB. Fat-plug myringoplasty (FPM) is a safe, cost-effective and easy operation for selected patients. Abdominal fat graft is as effective as ear lobe fat graft on tympanic membrane healing, has cosmetic advantages and should be taken into consideration when planning fat as the graft source.

[Application of the follower arm endoscope holder in type i tympanoplasty].

Objective:To investigate the surgical outcomes and safety of the follower arm endoscope holder in assisting type Ⅰ tympanoplasty. Methods:The clinical data of 16 patients who underwent type Ⅰ tympanoplasty at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, from November 2022 to September 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, among which 8 cases were operated by traditional otoscopy and 8 cases were operated by supported endoscopy.The surgical procedure was analyzed and the completion of supported endoscopic operation was observed, while the duration of the operation, the time consumed by the main steps, the frequency of wiping the lenses, the perioperative complications, and the improvement of the postoperative hearing were recorded and statistically analyzed. Results:Supporting endoscopic technology achieved real-time suction of bleeding, simultaneous traction and separation of tissues, precise removal of calcified spots on the inner side of the eardrum, trimming of the external auditory canal flap, stable separation of the handle of the malleus and the eardrum, and tensioned repositioning of the skin-cartilage flap. The average duration of surgery, time for external auditory canal flap preparation, and time for repositioning the skin-cartilage flap were reduced in the supporting endoscopic surgery group compared to the control group. The average lens wiping frequency was significantly lower in the supporting endoscopic surgery group compared to the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative hearing improvement between the two groups, and no infections or the need for secondary surgery due to eardrum re-perforation occurred postoperatively. Conclusion:Supported endoscopy technology realizes the need for endoscopic two-handed operation and convenient switching between one and two hands, accomplishes many operations that cannot be done by traditional endoscopic surgery, solves the problems of previous intraoperative one-handed operation and image instability, shortens the average operation time compared with traditional otoscopic surgery, and decreases the frequency of intraoperative wiping of the lens significantly compared with traditional otoscopic surgery, which is potentially worthwhile in terms of shortening the learning curve.

Assessing Complication Risk of Pressure Equalizing Tube Placement in Children With Velocardiofacial Syndrome (22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome/DiGeorge Syndrome).

INTRODUCTION: Persistent tympanic membrane perforation is a known complication of pressure-equalizing (PE) tube insertion. Conductive hearing loss and otorrhea can necessitate surgical repair of these perforations. Long-term tympanostomy tube placement can increase the risk of these complications. Patients with velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) typically require prolonged PE tube placement and are thought to have higher risk of requiring additional otologic interventions after PE tube placement. To date, no work has established rates of post-PE tube complications requiring myringoplasty or tympanoplasty in patients with VCFS. METHODS: A retrospective case review including all patients with VCFS at a single large children's hospital between the years 2000 and 2020 was performed. Number of PE tube insertions required and additional otologic interventions performed were the primary endpoints assessed. RESULTS: Of 212 total patients with VCFS, 66 (31%) underwent PE tube placement. Of these children, 46 (70%) required 2 or more sets of PE tubes. A total of 53 patients (80.3%) required no otologic interventions apart from PE tube insertions. Of the 13 patients (19.7%) requiring additional otologic surgery, 6 (9.5%) underwent myringoplasty, and 9 patients (13.6%) required tympanoplasty. There was no significant difference in tympanoplasty (P > 1), myringoplasty (P > 1), or other surgical intervention rates (P = .7464) between VCFS patients with any type of cleft palate versus those with anatomically normal palates. CONCLUSION: This work suggests that most VCFS patients that require tubes, require at least 2 sets of PE tubes, and that the rate of post-PE tube complications requiring further otologic surgery is an order of magnitude higher than the rate established at this institution. Counseling for PE tube placement in VCFS patients may require specific dialogue regarding the substantially increased risk of complications and effort to build appropriate expectations for surgical outcomes regardless of palatal status.

Cartilaginous myringoplasty: the endoscopic transcanal procedure.

The objectives of the study are to evaluate the feasibility, results and complications of the endoscopic transcanal cartilaginous myringoplasty. Thirty patients with a tympanic membrane perforation underwent a transcanal endoscopic cartilaginous myringoplasty, between June 2008 and January 2010. Three patients had a residual perforation at 2 months after surgery. At 1 year, the perforation was closed for 29 patients (96 %). There was no case of blunting, lateralization of the tympanic membrane or ossicular injury. Two patients had an iatrogenic superficial cholesteatoma in the tympanic membrane. There was no significant postoperative worsening of sensorineural hearing loss. The preoperative Air Bone Gap (ABG) was not correlated with the size or site of TMP. The evolution of ABG postoperatively was not significant. The statistical analysis was performed by the Student's t test. The endoscopic transcanal cartilaginous myringoplasty is a minimally invasive, effective and reliable procedure in the management of the tympanic membrane perforations.

[The currently available possibilities for fixation of many-layer transplants in myringoplasty].

The objective of the present study was to improve the quality and efficacy of the surgical treatment of chronic otitis media including the plastic correction of total and subtotal tympanic defects by fixing a many-layer chondro-perichondrial autograft with the use of a latex tissue glue. Twenty seven patients presenting with total and subtotal defects of the tympanic membrane underwent surgical intervention in the lateral position. The multilayer transplants composed of a thinned cartilage, fascia, and transposed circular cutaneous graft on the feeding pedicle were fixed using the latex tissue glue. The morphological and functional results of the treatment were estimated one year after surgery. It was shown that the use of the latex tissue glue for the fixation of many-layer autografts during myringoplasty made it possible to decrease the duration of the hospital stay of the patients, reduce to a minimum manifestations of negative subjective feelings, and ensure the reliable clinico-morphological and functional outcome of the treatment.

[Hearing-enhancing surgery in the children; the current state-of-the-art. Part 1. Tympanoplasty and myringoplasty].

This review of the current Russian-language and foreign literature is centered on the problem of hearing-enhancing operations in the children. The detailed data on tympanoplasty and myringoplasty are presented in conjunction with the indications and contraindications for these surgical interventions. Selected stages of operations are described with special reference to complicated cases. The factors determining the postoperative prognosis are discussed. The opinions of foreign and domestic authors, including debatable ones, are considered.

[Evaluation of loss of the chorda tympani function after myringoplasty]. / Miringoplasti sonrasi korda timpani fonksiyon kaybinin degerlendirilmesi.

OBJECTIVES: Loss of taste function was studied pre- and postoperatively in patients who underwent myringoplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients who were diagnosed with chronic otitis media and underwent myringoplasty between May 2007 and May 2009 were included in the study. Regional taste test was performed preoperatively and two weeks after the operation in all patients planned to undergo myringoplasty. For patients describing disturbance in the postoperative taste test or in the questionnaire form, the taste test was repeated at six months after the operation and the questionnaire form was completed. RESULTS: Chorda tympani was preserved in 18 patients (56.2%), traumatized in nine patients (28.1%), and cut completely in five patients (15.7%). Totally in 10 out of 32 patients (31.2%), an disturbance in the taste test was found at two weeks postoperatively. Sweetness/saltiness, bitterness, and sourness taste disturbances were found in 10, nine, and two patients, respectively. Improvements were identified in two out of 10 patients in the taste test performed at six months. The disturbances in the taste tests of eight patients continued to exist at that time. Sweetness/saltiness, bitterness, and sourness taste disturbances were found in eight, seven and two patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: The chorda tympani nerve may be traumatized or completely cut as a complication of ear surgery. Sacrificing the nerve, where it is highly traumatized by surgical devices, reduces the duration of postoperative complaints.

Fulminant intracranial hypertension as a result of otological surgery: case report and discussion of management.

BACKGROUND: Dural venous sinus injury is a rare complication of otological surgery that can lead to life-threatening sequelae, the management of which is complex and poorly described. CASE REPORT: This paper describes the case of a 40-year-old female who underwent routine right myringoplasty complicated by sigmoid sinus laceration. The patient subsequently developed right-sided lateral sinus thrombosis leading to fulminant intracranial hypertension. The patient underwent successful emergency management by surgical reconstruction of the sigmoid sinus, followed by endovascular thrombolysis, catheter balloon angioplasty and endovascular stenting. CONCLUSION: Torrential haemorrhage following otological procedures is uncommon and rarely requires packing of a bleeding venous sinus. This case highlights that injury to a highly dominant venous sinus can lead to venous outflow obstruction and life-threatening intracranial hypertension. To our knowledge, the development of this complication following otological surgery and its management has not been reported previously.

The effect of melatonin on experimentally-induced myringosclerosis in rats.

OBJECTIVES: This study determined the preventive effect of melatonin on the occurrence of experimentally-induced myringosclerosis of the tympanic membrane (TM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty Wistar albino-type rats weighing approximately 300 g each were randomly separated into two groups and myringotomized on the left TMs: group 1 rats (n=6) received intraperitoneal melatonin injections 10 mg/kg/day whereas group 2 rats (n=12) were treated with physiological serum only. The remaining two rats were served as the control group for histological comparison and standardization. After 15 days of treatment, myringotomized membranes were examined by otomicroscopy and harvested for histopathological evaluation. The functional effect of myringosclerotic plaques in the TMs of the two groups were compared with tympanometric measurements. RESULTS: Tympanic membranes in group 2 revealed extensive myringosclerotic plaques, on the other hand, TMs in group 1 showed faint or no existence of myringosclerosis. The mean magnitude of the maximum admittance from group 2 measured by tympanometry reduced to about 40% of the values obtained from group 1 (Z=-2,067, p=0.041). The mean magnitude of the maximum admittance from melatonin group was very close to the mean tympanometric value of non-myringotomized Wistar albino rats, demonstrating a functional outcome. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of myringosclerosis following experimental myringotomy can be hindered by systemic melatonin treatment.

Collagen matrix as a replacement for Gelfilm® for post-tympanostomy tube myringoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Gelfilm® is no longer available for use in myringoplasty. We have substituted a commercially available collagen matrix (Biodesign® Otologic Repair Graft) for Gelfilm® as on onlay patch after removal of retained tympanostomy tubes. We compare the effectiveness of these two materials for post-tympanostomy tube myringoplasty. METHODS: Surgeries were performed in the same manner by residents supervised by the same surgeon during consecutive time periods. Tympanostomy tubes were removed under general anesthesia using a pick and cup forceps. Margins of the resultant perforation were rimmed and a patch placed on the lateral surface of the drum to cover the perforation. Children were seen at 4 weeks after surgery. Tympanic membrane closure was assessed by otoscopy and tympanometry. Patient age at time of myringoplasty, laterality (right/left/bilateral), and presence or absence of a persistent perforation at one month follow-up were tabulated. Total duration of tympanic intubation, tube design and material, reason for tube removal, and additional risk factors (trisomy 21, cleft palate, midfacial anomalies) were analyzed. RESULTS: 55 children met inclusion criteria. 28 children (36 ears) were patched with Gelfilm®. 27 children (35 ears) were patched with collagen matrix. Median ages at surgery and duration of intubation were similar in the two groups. There were persistent perforations at 4 weeks in 5/28 children (5/36 ears, 14%) with Gelfilm®, and 3/27 children (3/35 ears, 9%) with collagen matrix. There was no significant difference in the rate of persistent perforation between the two materials by Fisher's exact test by patients (p = 0.7049) or by ears (p = 0.7101; OR: 1.72; 95% CI 0.38-7.82). CONCLUSION: Gelfilm® and collagen matrix patches performed similarly in the operating room. Rates of tympanic membrane closure were comparable in this pilot study. Larger patient numbers will be needed to prove equivalence or superiority of collagen matrix for this application.

Comparison of postoperative infection and graft uptake rate using single dose of intravenous co-amoxiclav versus no antibiotic in children undergoing myringoplasty: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare postoperative infection and graft uptake rate using single dose of intravenous co-amoxiclav versus no antibiotic in children undergoing myringoplasty. METHODS: This is a prospective, randomized controlled study conducted in children of age 6-15 years with chronic otitis media (COM) mucosal, inactive type undergoing myringoplasty. Postoperative infection over a period of 4 weeks and status of graft at or around 3 months after surgery was studied as outcome measure. RESULTS: Fifty five out of sixty children completed follow-up. The overall postoperative infection rate was 5.4%. Postoperative infection rate was 3.5% in children receiving prophylactic antibiotic and 7.4% in children receiving no antibiotic. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative infection between two groups (P > 0.05). The overall graft uptake rate was 87.27%. It was 85.7% in antibiotic used group and 88.8% in non-antibiotic group with no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative infection following myringoplasty in children is uncommon as it is a clean type of surgery. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative infection and graft uptake rate by the use of prophylactic antibiotic in the intraoperative period. This study shows no benefit of a prophylactic antibiotic on postoperative infection or graft success in myringoplasty in children. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03700814.