Repair of chronic tympanic membrane perforations using epidermal growth factor

Perforation of the tympanic membrane (TM) is a frequent cause of conductive hearing loss. Persistent TM perforations often require surgical repair with an autologous tissue graft to restore hearing and prevent recurrent infection. While highly efficacious, this method of closure requires a relatively complex and expensive microsurgical procedure. We have recently developed a chronic TM perforation model in the chinchilla for use in the exploration of novel methods of TM repair.

Burn of the auricle

Silvadene cream and Sulfamylon make up the treatment regimen for one contributor (Dr. Crumley). No systemic antibiotics would be given. Any areas of obvious third-degree burns would be debrided and grafted. The tympanic membrane perforation would be treated with antibiotic/steroid drops. The second author concurs with use of Silvadene cream and would avoid any pressure on the area (Dr. Abemayor). While he agrees that systemic antibiotics should be avoided, he also would not prescribe ear drops. He recommends evaluation for a pulmonary or ophthalmologic injury. There is a disagreement regarding imaging studies. One expert would order a CT scan to rule out facial fractures (Dr. Crumley). His counterpart would not order a CT but would check a baseline chest x-ray if there were any sign of pulmonary compromise (Dr. Abemayor). Both experts would obtain an audiogram after the acute problems are treated. In the case of foul drainage, burn reconstruction would be delayed. In addition to treating the otorrhea with ear drops, one physician would add oral antibiotics (Dr. Abemayor). The other author believes tympanoplasty should be performed prior to reconstruction (Dr. Crumley). There were several procedures suggested for the reconstruction. Both authors discuss a method of creating a postauricular pocket, burying the ear pedicle, and using costal cartilage for an inlay helical graft. Another approach involves minimal debridement of the cartilage and letting the wound mature for 6 to 8 months. At that time the area would be debrided and the postauricular skin used for external coverage (Dr. Crumley). If the facial scar is a cosmetic problem 1 year after the injury, triamcinolone injections and local massage should be considered.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[A method of myringoplasty used in patients with extensive defects of the tympanic membrane]

Multilayer transplants made up of an ultrathin allocartilaginous plate (an internal layer), autofascia of musculus temporalis (an intermediate layer) and stored amnion (an external layer) were used to eliminate extensive perforations of the tympanic membrane. The transplantation resulted in high proportion of the graft takes with a considerable improvement of hearing.

[Ear surgeon's tactics in temporal bone fractures with injury of the facial nerve and sound-conducting system]

Out of 486 patients with basilar skull fracture, 74 developed peripheral paralysis of the facial nerve (28 cases of early and 39 of late posttraumatic paralysis). 19 (67.8%) patients with early paralysis recovered function of the facial nerve, whereas only 9 (32.2%) with late paralysis were cured. Indications to surgical management of relevant paralyses are specified. Cases of one-stage tympanoplasty are described.

[Sandwich-graft myringoplasty: the authors' personal technic and results]

The authors describe the anatomic and functional results obtained with a sandwich myringoplasty technique (MPL) employing an endaural approach. The suggested technique is a modified sandwich MPL by endaural approach with a reduced Shambaugh incision, a systematic profiling of the canal wall bulge and separation of the meatal and tympano-meatal flaps that are maintained pedunculated. The temporal fascia is inserted between the fibrous layer of the tympanic remnant and a single pedunculated tympano-meatal cutaneous flap replaced in the original location. The authors present 72 cases operated between January 1987 and December 1989 for perforations involving up to three quadrants. In 93.1% of the cases a complete and lasting resolution of the perforation was obtained. Of the 5 failures, 4 presented a perforation smaller than the original one. An average (250, 500, 1000 Hz) functional recovery of 14.1 dB was observed compared to an average pre-operatory gap of 21.6 dB. In 25% of the cases, average recovery was greater than 25 dB and in 5 patients a slight worsening with an average difference of -3.3 dB was observed. On the whole, in 41 patients a residual post-operatory gap of only 10 dB was achieved. The anatomical results obtained with the MPL presented are similar to those found in the literature describing the classical overlay technique. However, the cases reported do not present those inconveniences associated to the latter technique (lateralization of the graft and blunting). The anatomic and functional results obtained with the technique discussed are on the whole superior to those described with the underlay and the classical overlay techniques. The Authors believe that this is mainly due to the absence of the gelfoam in the middle ear and to the double contention and vascularization of the temporal fascia graft. By means of the profiling of the canal wall the endaural approach permits a good view of the operating field. Furthermore, it is less traumatic and more acceptable to the patient than the postauricular one that has to be limited to the MPL where there are clinical indications for the exploration of antrum. The personal technique here presented implies, however, a certain presence of epithelial pearls. Their localization is nevertheless facilitated by the absence of blunting, thickening and lateralization of the graft. This allows for an early and easy removal on an out-patient basis. Other inconveniences of the technique are the length of the procedure and a more difficult control of the ossicular chain.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Silicone foreign body in the middle ear caused by auditory canal impression in hearing aid fitting]

We report an 81-year-old man who suffered a rupture of the tympanic membrane during the taking of an impression for the fitting of a hearing aid. A large amount of impression material thus penetrated the middle ear. The symptoms and surgical treatment are reported. Criteria for the qualification of persons entrusted with the prescription and adaptation of hearing aids are presented to help to prevent similar incidents.

Diagnosis of middle ear disease with eardrum perforation by a newly developed sweep frequency measuring apparatus

Dynamic characteristics of an artificial middle ear model with and without eardrum perforations were measured with our newly developed sweep frequency measuring apparatus. Then, the dynamic characteristics of patients with chronic otitis media having eardrum perforations and with traumatic perforations were measured with this apparatus, and the results were compared with those of the artificial middle ear model with an eardrum perforation. The comparison leads to the conclusion that the middle ear condition of patients with eardrum perforations can be distinguished on the basis of their measurement results. Furthermore, the ossicular chain conditions of patients with eardrum perforations can be diagnosed after putting a paper patch on the eardrum perforation. Therefore, this apparatus seems to be highly useful in the diagnosis of both ossicular chain disorders and eardrum perforations.

Interlay method for myringoplasty

Sixty-nine ears with perforation of the tympanic membrane were reviewed. All had undergone myringoplasty by the interlay method. The average period for complete epithelization was 16.1 days after surgery. Neither blunting of the anterior tympanomeatal angle nor lateralization of the tympanic membrane was observed. The success rate was 94.2% for the initial surgery, when "success" is defined as closure of the perforation and complete epithelization (dry ear). The surgical technique and various advantages of the interlay method of myringoplasty are described.

Myringoplasty for the anterior perforation: experience with the Kerr flap

Surgical closure of the anteriorly located tympanic membrane perforation can present a problem. The lack of anterior support for the graft frequently leads to graft failure if an underlay method is used whereas anterior blunting is a complication of onlay techniques in this situation. The experience with the Kerr flap, an underlay graft fashioned to include a tab of fascia which is placed laterally under the annulus and the anterior meatal skin, is presented. This method gave a 97.5 percent closure rate with no cases of anterior marginal blunting and a mean auditory threshold gain of 8.5 dB (95 percent confidence limits 5 to 11.9 dB, P less than 0.01) was achieved at the frequencies tested. The use of the Kerr flap is recommended when repairing the anteriorly placed tympanic membrane perforation.

Real ear unaided responses in ears with tympanic membrane perforations

This study evaluated 13 adult patients with tympanic membrane (TM) perforations in one or both ears. Probe microphone real ear unaided responses (REURs) for mean peak frequency and peak dB gain showed no substantial differences among patients, across ears with intact TMs, ears with TM perforations (regardless of size), or between measures taken before and after closure of the perforations. Inspection of individual differences in the patients' REURs, however, produced an interesting finding. The REURs of ears having small TM perforations did not differ from those with intact TMs, but the REURs for ears having larger perforations consistently revealed bimodal responses (two prominent peaks separated by a valley of at least 10 dB lower gain). Thus, size of the perforation affected the REURs.

[Primary lesions caused by explosions]

The lesions produced by the expansive wave are characteristic of severe injury produced by explosion. This type of injury is being classified as primary lesion. We report a 28 years old male patient who suffered amputation of both lower extremities associated with hypovolemic shock. The patient presented primary tympanic perforation and pneumothorax after initiation of mechanical ventilation at positive pressure. In the discussion section we analyze the physical mechanisms leading to this primary lesion and we indicate the organs most commonly affected. We rise general considerations dealing with the management of these patients and we remark the advantages of a coordinated medical attendance policy.

Functional study of the eustachian tube with sequential scintigraphy

The authors investigated the tubal function by means of sequential scintigraphy in 16 patients affected by chronic otitis media and in 3 patients with posttraumatic perforation of the tympanic membrane. Evaluated parameters were: appearance time (AT), radioactivity peak time, rise time in the tympanic cavity, eustachian tube and rhinopharynx, and radioactivity percent values passed in the rhinopharynx. The tubal pressure-equilibrating function was determined by means of the manometer pump section of the impedance meter. A significant relationship between the pressure-equilibrating function and the tubal scintigraphy parameters has been detected. The variability of the AT in the tube and the almost constant time needed by the radioactive tracer to go through the tube and reach the rhinopharynx could indicate that a major role in the tympanic cavity drainage is played by the tympanic ostium and the surrounding mucosa.

An animal model of chronic tympanic membrane perforation

Previous investigations into the healing and reconstruction of tympanic membrane (TM) perforations have involved animal models with acute TM perforations. A problem with the acute TM perforation model is that most acute TM perforations will heal spontaneously, both in animals and human beings. A second inadequacy of acute perforation models is that they are not analogous to the salient problem in human beings: long-standing TM perforation. The ideal animal model must have a TM perforation that is permanent, well-epithelialized, and free from infection. The perforation must also be subtotal to preserve a rim of membrane for experimental manipulations. In the chinchilla, we have identified a hardy animal with a short, wide ear canal and relatively large tympanic membranes. Thermal myringectomy, followed by medial infolding of TM microflaps, has resulted in permanent, subtotal chronic TM perforations in the chinchilla animal model. Of the 19 chinchillas (38 TMs) perforated, chronic subtotal perforations were created in 32 ears, 6 to 8 weeks after the initial procedure (84% success). Persistent infection or TM regeneration despite reperforation was recorded in 6 ears (16%) failure). This model is currently being used to assess various biomembrane scaffolds impregnated with growth-promoting substances in the regeneration of a physiologically sound TM, initially in our animal model and then in human beings. We envision the development of a biomembrane disc impregnated with biorecombinant growth factors that may provide a simple office technique for the repair of chronic, non-infected TM perforations.

Blast injuries of the ear as a result of the Peterborough lorry explosion: 22 March 1989

The incidence of blast trauma to the ears in significant numbers is relatively rare in peace time. This paper outlines the results and management of twenty patients injured as a result of the outside explosion of 800 kg of high explosives in Peterborough on 22 March 1989.

Exostosis of the external auditory canal: an interesting histopathological finding

Perforation of the tympanic membrane is a frequent complication of surgery for exostoses of the external auditory canal. We report an unusual histopathological finding in a temporal bone containing external canal exostoses which suggests that some of these perforations may be unavoidable.

Complications following ventilation of the middle ear using Goode T tubes

This is a 3.5-year retrospective review on the insertion of 210 Goode T tubes into 182 ears of 93 patients. Otorrhea was noted postoperatively in 35.2% of the ears treated, with chronic drainage lasting longer than 4 months developing in more than 7% of the cases. Perforations were found in 34 ears (18.7%) following removal or extrusion of the T tubes; in 13 (7.1%) of these patients, chronic perforations requiring tympanoplasties developed. The literature was screened for additional studies addressing the complications associated with tympanostomy tubes. The documented incidence of perforations between conventional tubes and Goode T tubes was emphasized, and comparisons were made. Our findings indicate that, even with the immediate placement of paper patches following removal of all Goode T tubes, the percentage of tympanic membrane perforations resulting from the use of Goode T tubes is significantly greater than previously reported.

Lightning and its effects on the auditory system

Patients struck by lightning can present with a wide variety of unusual otologic problems including burns to the external auditory canal, tympanic membrane rupture, middle ear injury, and sensorineural hearing loss. Four patients who incurred various otologic problems, including one patient with previously unreported bilateral oval window fistulas following lightning injury, are presented. Audiologic, otologic, and surgical findings are reviewed as well as patient follow-up and outcome.

Traumatic perforation of the tympanic membrane

Traumatic perforations of the tympanic membrane are not uncommon injuries. The various etiologies of this injury along with the appropriate evaluation will be discussed. The goal of this review is to enhance the nonotolaryngologist's knowledge of this condition and its treatment.

[Welding spark injuries of the ear. Observations of personal case material]

25 cases of tympanic welding spark injuries of the years 1959-1989 are reported. Early results and late sequelae after conservative therapy, immediate and interval operation are described and discussed. Regarding the tendency of tympanic defects to enlarge after thermal injuries despite conservative and early operative therapy, secondary seal by tympanoplasty is recommended. Even then, however, the rate of residual and recurring perforations must be reckoned as being higher than after tympanoplasty in comparable defects of other origin, due to the inferior nutritive supply owing to the extended scar caused by burning. On the other hand, the rate of inner ear traumatisation with 12% directly after welding injury and with 4% remaining impairment of hearing, is low.

Sequelae of experimental tympanic and inferior canal wall perforations: the double meaning of epithelial migration

The term "epithelial migration" has been used to describe both the normal surface movement of the tympanic epithelium and the movement of epithelial basal cells in repair processes. In an attempt to distinguish between these two processes and to determine their role in the repair of a wounded tympanic membrane, 20 guinea pig tympanic membranes were perforated inferiorly and tattooed with ink through an external incision. Sequential histology of whole temporal bones at intervals from the time of injury up to three weeks showed evidence of movement of the superficial layers of epidermis which was effective in the clearance of cellular debris but not in the closure of the perforation. Drum closure was effected more by the accumulation of exudate and epithelial hyperplasia. The migration of the epithelial basal cells was slow when compared to surface movement. It is suggested that tympanic epithelial surface movement is best described by a passive term such as "epithelial displacement" and that the term migration should be restricted to the activities of the living layers of epidermis.

A comparison of hyaluronan and fibronectin in the healing of tympanic membrane perforations

Fibronectin and 1% hyaluronan, two extracellular matrix components, were applied to tympanic membrane (TM) perforations, using the laboratory rat as an animal model. The perforations occupied the upper, posterior quadrant of the TM. Saline-treated and untreated perforations of equal size served as controls. Fifty percent of the perforations treated daily with hyaluronan healed prior to the first closures of the other groups. The use of fibronectin did not enhance the healing rate. The hyaluronan-treated perforations were covered initially by a sheet of keratin and hyaluronan containing abundant inflammatory cells. Within this keratin-hyaluronan cover, hyperplastic stratified keratinizing epithelium advanced and bridged the gap of the perforation ahead of the approaching connective tissue. These findings indicate that exogenously applied hyaluronan could be valuable in the clinical situation and should be tried to improve the healing of TM perforations.