Biphasic Ceramics and Fibrin Sealant for Bone Reconstruction in Ear Surgery

Bone reconstruction is still a matter of concern in middle ear surgery despite the large number of surgical techniques proposed. A composite made of biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic granules mixed with human fibrin sealant, forming a moldable material that is easy to set for bone reconstruction, has been used with success over a 16-year period for reconstruction of the posterior canal wall or for mastoid obliteration. In a retrospective series of 72 ears with long-term follow-up (average follow-up of 46 months), regular microscopic examination, and computed tomographic controls, we have evaluated this bone reconstruction technique for radical mastoidectomy cavities or the closed technique. The bone reconstruction material provided an immediate anatomic reconstruction that remains stable and is well tolerated over the long term. A slight leakage of granules in the meatus was initially observed in several patients with transient aseptic otorrhea. Fifty-seven ears were followed up for 1 year or more. Satisfactory clinical results with complete regression of the mucous membrane disease were found in 82.4% of the patients, with perfect stability of the material in 65%. We did not observe any cases of recurrent cholesteatoma in or behind the filling material. Eighteen biopsies were performed between 8 and 84 months after surgery during a second surgical step performed for functional purposes or for recurrent cholesteatoma; 17 of the 18 cases showed osteointegration of the filling material. After a 16-year experiment, we consider this technique to be a highly satisfactory procedure that could be extended to other situations of bone reconstruction.

Tolerance and osteointegration of TricOs(TM)/MBCP(®) in association with fibrin sealant in mastoid obliteration after canal wall-down technique for cholesteatoma

CONCLUSION

The TricOs™/MBCP(®) and fibrin sealant composite was a convenient, effective, and well-tolerated material for mastoid cavity filling and immediate reconstruction of the external auditory meatus after cholesteatoma surgery with canal wall down (CWD).

OBJECTIVE

To assess the tolerance and osteointegration of a bone graft substitute, TricOs™/MBCP(®), in association with fibrin sealant for filling the mastoid cavity after cholesteatoma surgery using the CWD technique.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study 57 patients with cholesteatoma suitable for CWD were recruited from April 2006 to April 2008 and followed up for 1 year. The mastoid cavity was filled with TricOs™/MBCP(®) followed by immediate reconstruction of the external auditory meatus covered with fascia temporalis and/or cartilage. The main outcome was skin tolerance assessed by a novel weighted score emphasizing long-term results. The typical weighted reference score was 1.67; skin tolerance was considered acceptable if 75% of patients had a score ≤ 1.67. Secondary outcomes were otorrhea and/or otalgia, hearing, and osteointegration assessed through computed tomography scanning at 12 months.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients had a complete follow-up; 34 (82.3%) patients achieved the main end point with scores ≤ 1.67. Otorrhea decreased postoperatively. No otalgia interfering with daily tasks was reported. Ossicular reconstruction was carried out in 29 patients. Absence of cochlear toxicity was confirmed by unimpaired bone conduction. Preoperative and postoperative speech audiometry results were similar. No serious adverse events were observed. Osteointegration was satisfactory with hyperdensity or intermediate density in 95% of patients at 12 months.

Tensile strength of biological fibrin sealants: a comparative study

BACKGROUND

Fibrin sealants are commonly used in liver surgery, although their effectiveness in routine clinical practice remains controversial. Individual sealant characteristics are based on hemostatic effects and adhesion properties that can be experimentally measured using the 'rat skin test' or the 'pig skin test'. This study used a more relevant and realistic experimental canine model to compare the differences in the adhesive properties of four fibrin sealants in hepatectomy: Tisseel/Tissucol, Tachosil, Quixil, and Beriplast.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A partial hepatectomy was performed in beagle dogs under general anesthesia to obtain liver cross-sections. Fibrin sealants were allocated to dog livers using a Youden square design. The tensile strength measurement was performed using a traction system to measure the rupture stress point of a small wooden cylinder bonded to the liver cross-section.

RESULTS

Significantly greater adhesion properties were observed with Tisseel/Tissucol compared with Quixil or Beriplast (P = 0.002 and 0.001, respectively). Similarly, Tachosil demonstrated significantly greater adhesive properties compared with Beriplast (P = 0.009) or Quixil (P = 0.014). No significant differences were observed between Tisseel/Tissucol and Tachosil or between Beriplast and Quixil.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this comparative study demonstrate that different fibrin sealants exhibit different adhesive properties. Tisseel/Tissucol and Tachosil provided greatest adhesion to liver cross-section in our canine model of hepatectomy. These results may enable the optimal choice of fibrin sealants for this procedure in clinical practice.