The perforation margin phenotypes and clinical outcome of traumatic tympanic membrane perforation with a Gelfoam patch: our experience from a retrospective study of seventy-four patients

Tissue engineering in otology: a review of achievements

Tissue engineering application in otology spans a distance from the pinna to auditory nerve covered with specialized tissues and functions such as sense of hearing and aesthetics. It holds the potential to address the barriers of lack of donor tissue, poor tissue match, and transplant rejection through provision of new and healthy tissues similar to the host and possesses the capacity to renew, to regenerate, and to repair in-vivo and was shown to be a bypasses for any need to immunosuppression. This review aims to investigate the application of tissue engineering in otology and to evaluate the achievements and challenges in external, middle and inner ear sections. Since gaining the recent knowledge and training on use of different scaffolds is essential for otology specialists and who look for the recovery of ear function and aesthetics of patients, it is shown in this review how utilizing tissue engineering and cell transplantation, regenerative medicine can provide advancements in hearing and ear aesthetics to fit different patients' needs.

Healing large Traumatic Tympanic Membrane Perforations Using Vaseline Gauze and Gelfoam Patching Alone

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vaseline gauze (VG) patching on the treatment of large traumatic perforation of tympanic membrane (TM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

90 patients with traumatic perforation larger than 25% of the TM were randomly allocated into the control group of observation only, VG group, and Gelfoam patch alone group. The closure rate and closure time among the 3 groups were compared at 3 months.

RESULTS

In total, 82 large traumatic perforations were analyzed in this study. The closure rates in the control, VG, and gelfoam patch groups were 84.6%, 100.0%, and 89.3%, respectively (P = 0.637). Post-hoc multiple comparisons showed that the difference between the control and VG groups was significant (P = 0.047), but the difference wasn't significant between gelfoam alone and control groups (P = 0.699) or VG groups (P = 0.236). The mean closure times were 5.41 ± 1.47, 2.14 ± 0.93, and 3.00 ± 0.62 weeks for the control, VG, and gelfoam patch groups, respectively (P < 0.001). Post-hoc multiple comparisons showed that the difference was significant between the control and VG groups (P < 0.001) or gelfoam alone group (P < 0.001) or VG and gelfoam groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

VG improved the closure rate and shortened the closure time compared with observation only, which could be an effective patch material for repairing traumatic lager perforations in the outpatient setting, which is readily available and convenient.

Endoscopic modified perichondrium-cartilage sandwich graft for repairing chronic subtotal and total perforations

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was evaluate the short-and long-term graft outcome and complications of endoscopic modified perichondrium-cartilage sandwich graft for repairing chronic subtotal and total perforations.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective case series.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

135 patients with chronic subtotal and total perforations who underwent endoscopic modified perichondrium-cartilage sandwich graft technique. The graft success rate, hearing outcome, and complications were evaluated at postoperative 6 and 24 months.

RESULTS

124 patients were finally included in this study. The graft success rate was 96.3% in subtotal perforation and 97.7% in total perforation (P = 0.874), with an overall success rate of 96.8% at postoperative 6 months. The graft success rate was 95.8% (68/71) in subtotal perforation and 94.9% (37/39) in total perforation (P = 0.795), with an overall success rate of 95.5% (105/110) at postoperative 24 months. The mean ABG improved from 28.0 ± 5.3 dB preoperatively to 14.9 ± 4.8 dB postoperatively 12 months (P < 0.05) for subtotal perforations; from 33.4 ± 7.4 dB preoperatively to 16.1 ± 2.4 dB postoperatively 12 months (P < 0.05) for total perforations. No graft-related complications (e.g., graft lateralization, significant blunting, graft medialization) were encountered during the follow-up period. Of the 110 patients, temporal bone CT revealed well pneumatization of the middle ear and mastoid region. However, graft keratin pearl was noticed in 1.8% (2/110) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic modified perichondrium-cartilage sandwich graft for repairing subtotal and total perforations had excellent short and long-term graft success rate with less time-consuming and minimal complications.

Repair of large traumatic tympanic membrane perforation using ofloxacin otic solution and gelatin sponge

INTRODUCTION

Traumatic large tympanic membrane perforations usually fail to heal and require longer healing times. Few studies have compared the healing and hearing outcomes between gelatin sponge patching and ofloxacin otic solution.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the healing outcomes of large traumatic tympanic membrane perforations treated with gelatin sponge, ofloxacin otic solution, and spontaneous healing.

METHODS

Traumatic tympanic membrane perforations >50% of the entire eardrum were randomly divided into three groups: ofloxacin otic solution, gelatin sponge patch and spontaneous healing groups. The healing outcome and hearing gain were compared between the three groups at 6 months.

RESULTS

A total of 136 patients with large traumatic tympanic membrane perforations were included in analyses. The closure rates were 97.6% (40/41), 87.2% (41/47), and 79.2% (38/48) in the ofloxacin otic solution, gelatin sponge patch, and spontaneous healing groups, respectively (p=0.041). The mean times to closure were 13.12±4.61, 16.47±6.24, and 49.51±18.22 days in these groups, respectively (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Gelatin sponge patch and ofloxacin otic solution may serve as effective and inexpensive treatment strategies for traumatic large tympanic membrane perforations. However, ofloxacin otic solution must be self-applied daily to keep the perforation edge moist, while gelatin sponge patching requires periodic removal and re-patching.

Topical Application of bFGF Alone for the Regeneration of Chronic Tympanic Membrane Perforations: A Preliminary Case Series

Results

A total of 29 patients consisting 13 in the bFGF alone group and 16 in the myringoplasty group were finally included in the analysis. Of the 13 patients in the bFGF alone group, the perforations were small in 6 and medium in 7; the etiology was secondary to COM in 11 and to trauma in 2. One patient with an unhealed perforation continued bFGF treatment until 6 months, while the others stopped at 3 months. Of the seven medium-sized perforations, none of the five COM perforations closed, while the two traumatic perforations achieved complete closure within 2 and 4 weeks, respectively. The successful closure rate was 28.6% (2/7). Successful closure was achieved in 66.7% (4/6) of the six small perforations with COM, with a mean closure time of 4.75 weeks. Of the 16 patients in the myringoplasty group, all perforations were medium-sized and were secondary to COM in 15 cases and traumatic in 1 case; all achieved complete closure.

Conclusions

bFGF alone facilitated the repair of chronic traumatic perforations and small perforations with COM, but not medium-sized perforations with COM. These observations indicated that the regenerative conditions of traumatic perforations are better than those of COM perforations when using bFGF alone, and that graft materials could play a critical role in the regeneration of larger-sized chronic perforations with COM.

Can Tissue Engineering Bring Hope to the Development of Human Tympanic Membrane?

The tympanic membrane (TM), more commonly known as the eardrum, consists of a thin layer of tissue in the human ear that receives sound vibrations from outside of the body and transmits them to the auditory ossicles. The TM perforations (TMPs) are a common ontological condition, which in some cases can result in permanent hearing loss. Despite the spontaneous healing capacity of the TM to regenerate in the majority of cases of acute perforation, chronic perforations require surgical interventions. However, the disadvantages of the surgical procedure include infection, anesthetic risks, and high failure of graft patency. The tissue engineering strategy, which includes the applications of a three-dimensional (3D) scaffold, cells, and biomolecules or a combination of them for the closure of chronic perforation, has been considered as an emerging treatment. Using this approach, emerging products are currently under development to regenerate the TM structure and its properties. This research aimed to highlight the problems with the current methods of TMP treatment, and critically evaluate the tissue engineering approaches, which may overcome these drawbacks. The focus of this review is on recent literature to critically discuss the emerging advanced materials used as a 3D scaffold in the development of a TM with cellular engineering, biomolecules, cells, and the fabrications of the TM and its pathway to the clinical application. In this review, we discuss the properties of TM and the advantages and disadvantages of the current clinical products for repair and replacement of the TM. Furthermore, we provide an overview of the in vitro and preclinical studies of emerging products over the past 5 years. The results of recent preclinical studies suggest that the tissue engineering field holds significant promise.

A Systematic Review of Nonautologous Graft Materials Used in Human Tympanoplasty

OBJECTIVES

Nonautologous graft materials may solve several dilemmas in tympanoplasty by obviating the need for graft harvest, facilitating consistent wound healing, and permitting graft placement in the clinical setting. Prior studies of nonautologous grafts in humans have shown variable outcomes. In this systematic review, we aim to 1) summarize clinical outcomes and 2) discuss limitations in the literature regarding nonautologous grafts for tympanoplasty in humans.

METHODS

A literature review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. The study size, etiology and duration of perforation, type of nonautologous graft, and postoperative closure rate were assessed.

RESULTS

The PRISMA approach yielded 61 articles, including 3,247 ears that met inclusion criteria. Studies evaluated nonautologous grafts including paper patch, gelatin sponge, growth factors, porcine small-intestinal submucosa, among others. Traumatic perforations (62.3%) were most commonly studied, whereas postinfectious perforations (31.9%) and other etiologies (5.8%) comprised a minority of cases. Acute perforations of <8 weeks duration constituted just over half of all treated ears. Overall closure rate was 82.1%, with significantly higher closure rates in acute (89.9%) versus chronic perforations (64.9%, P < .01), regardless of material. A median postoperative air-bone gap of 5.6 dB was found in the 23% of studies reporting this metric.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of publications reviewing nonautologous materials in tympanoplasty evaluate acute or traumatic perforations, and few rigorously report hearing outcomes. Given available data, porcine submucosa and basic fibroblast growth factor may hold promise for chronic perforation closure. Future studies should report closure rates and hearing outcomes in perforations >8 weeks duration. Laryngoscope, 131:392-400, 2021.

The effects of everted or inverted edges on healing of traumatic-induced tympanic membrane perforations

Objectives

To evaluate the healing and hearing outcomes related to the everted or inverted edge area on slap- and fist-induced large tympanic membrane perforations.

Methods

A total of 120 patients with slap- or fist-induced tympanic membrane perforations, with inverted or everted edges, affecting 50–75 per cent of the entire tympanic membrane, were randomly divided into 2 groups: an edge approximation group and a spontaneous healing group. The edge approximation group was divided into subgroups A and B based on the reversed edge area (reversed edge was more or less than 50 per cent of the total perforation, respectively). Healing outcomes and hearing improvements at six months were compared.

Results

The data of 118 patients were analysed. The closure rate of perforations in subgroup A, subgroup B, and the spontaneous healing group was 90.9 per cent, 92.1 per cent and 84.5 per cent, respectively; the difference between the three groups was not significant (p = 0.393).

Conclusion

The area of reversed edges for slap- or fist-induced tympanic membrane perforations did not seem to affect healing and hearing outcomes, regardless of edge approximation and everted or inverted edges.

Efficacy of EGF and Gelatin Sponge for Traumatic Tympanic Membrane Perforations: A Randomized Controlled Study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the outcomes of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and gelatin sponge patch treatments for traumatic tympanic membrane perforations.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, controlled.

SETTING

University-affiliated teaching hospital.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In total, 141 perforations encompassing >50% of the eardrum were randomly divided into 3 groups: EGF (n = 47), gelatin sponge patch (n = 47), and observation (n = 47). The edges of the perforations were not approximated. The closure rate, mean closure time, and infection rate were evaluated at 6 months and the related factors analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 135 perforations were analyzed. At 6 months, the closure rates were 97.8%, 86.7%, and 82.2% in the EGF, gelatin sponge patch, and spontaneous healing groups, respectively (P = .054). The mean ± SD closure time was 11.12 ± 4.60, 13.67 ± 5.37, and 25.65 ± 13.32 days in the EGF, gelatin sponge patch, and spontaneous healing groups, respectively (P < .001). In addition, the presence of infection was not significantly associated with rate of closure in any group.

CONCLUSIONS

As compared with spontaneous healing, daily application of EGF and gelatin sponge patching reduced the closure time of traumatic tympanic membrane perforations. EGF treatment had a higher closure rate and shorter closure time but resulted in otorrhea. By contrast, gelatin sponge patches did not improve the closure rate or cause otorrhea but required repeated patch removal and reapplication. Thus, the appropriate treatment should be selected according to patient need.

Healing Human Moderate and Large Traumatic Tympanic Membrane Perforations Using Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor, 0.3% Ofloxacin Eardrops, and Gelfoam Patching

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), 0.3% ofloxacin eardrops (OFLX), and Gelfoam patching on the healing of human moderate and large traumatic tympanic membrane perforations (TMPs).

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective, quasi-randomized, controlled clinical study.

SETTING

A University-affiliated teaching hospital.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We performed a quasi-randomized prospective analysis between January 2010 and December 2014. All patients had traumatic TMPs covering areas >25% of the entire tympanic membrane. The closure rates, closure times, hearing gains, and rates of otorrhea in patients who underwent conservative observation, Gelfoam patching, topical bFGF application, and direct application of OFLX were compared.

RESULTS

We ultimately included 185 patients. Closure rates did not significantly differ among the four groups (p = 0.257). Post-hoc multiple comparisons also showed that the closure rates did not differ between any two groups (p > 0.083). The mean closure times were 25.6 ± 13.32, 12.3 ± 8.15, 14.3 ± 5.44, and 13.97 ± 8.82 days for the observation, bFGF, Gelfoam patch, and OFLX groups, respectively. The closure times of the four groups differed significantly (p < 0.001). Post-hoc multiple comparisons showed that the differences between the observation group and each of the other groups were significant (p < 0.001). No other between- or among-group differences were significant (p > 0.0083).

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest that OFLX, bFGF, and Gelfoam patching accelerated the closure of human moderate and large traumatic TMPs. Hence, treatment of human traumatic TMPs should be revisited clinically. Topical application of OFLX may be recommended, because OFLX is more easily available and convenient than bFGF or Gelfoam patch for otology outpatients.

The effects of fibroblast growth factor-2 delivered via a Gelfoam patch on the regeneration of myringosclerotic traumatic eardrum perforations lying close to the malleus

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the effects of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) delivered via a Gelfoam patch on the regeneration of myringosclerotic traumatic tympanic membrane perforations (TMPs) lying close to the malleus.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study.

SETTING

A university-affiliated teaching hospital.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We prospectively analyzed, in a randomized manner, the outcomes of treatment for traumatic TMPs constituting >25% of the tympanic membrane. The closure rates, closure times, and otorrhea rates were compared among patients treated via FGF-2-containing Gelfoam patches, Gelfoam patches alone, and observation only.

RESULTS

We analyzed data from 138 patients. The perforation closure rates in the FGF-2 plus Gelfoam patch, Gelfoam patch, and observation alone groups were 97.9, 89.8, and 70.7%, respectively. Both the FGF-2 plus Gelfoam and Gelfoam alone groups exhibited significantly higher closure rates than the observational group (both p<0.05).The mean closure times were 15.7±5.1, 24.8±4.9, and 35.7±9.2days in the FGF-2 plus Gelfoam patch, Gelfoam patch alone, and observation alone groups, respectively. The FGF-2 plus Gelfoam patch group exhibited a significantly shorter closure time than the Gelfoam patch alone and observation alone groups (p<0.05). The incidences of purulent otorrhea were 14.6, 6.1, and 4.9% in the FGF-2 plus Gelfoam patch, Gelfoam patch alone, and observation alone groups, respectively. Surprisingly, 7 of 7 (100.0%) perforations associated with purulent otorrhea completely closed in the FGF-2 plus Gelfoam patch group; however, no such perforation healed in either the Gelfoam alone or observation alone group.

CONCLUSIONS

FGF-2 plus Gelfoam patching significantly shortened the closure time compared to observation and Gelfoam patching alone, and it significantly improved the closure rate (compared to observation alone) of myringosclerotic perforations lying close the malleus. FGF-2 plus Gelfoam patching is a valuable, minimally invasive alternative treatment that may be readily applied to outpatient settings.

A moist edge environment aids the regeneration of traumatic tympanic membrane perforations

OBJECTIVE

To review the history of moist therapy used to regenerate traumatic tympanic membrane perforations.

STUDY DESIGN

Literature review.

METHODS

The literature on topical agents used to treat traumatic tympanic membrane perforations was reviewed, and the advantages and disadvantages of moist therapy were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 76 studies were included in the analysis. Topical applications of certain agents (e.g. growth factors, Ofloxacin Otic Solution, and insulin solutions) to the moist edges of traumatic tympanic membrane perforations shortened closure times and improved closure rates.

CONCLUSION

Dry tympanic membrane perforation edges may be associated with crust formation and centrifugal migration, delaying perforation closure. On the contrary, moist edges inhibit necrosis at the perforation margins, stimulate proliferation of granulation tissue and aid eardrum healing. Thus, moist perforation margins upon topical application of solutions of appropriate agents aid the regeneration of traumatic tympanic membrane perforations.