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Published on: January 19, 2022
Paper patching for chronic tympanic membrane perforations
Avishay Golz1, David Goldenberg, Aviram Netzer
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel. golz@netvision.net.il
Objective:
This study was designed to evaluate the results of paper-patch myringoplasty in patients with chronic perforations of the tympanic membrane of different sizes.
Study Design And Setting:
A retrospective survey of paper-patch myringoplasties performed in a tertiary referral academic medical center on 77 patients with chronic perforations of the eardrum was carried out. Data consisted of the causes of the perforations, time the perforations had been present, their size, number of patch applications, duration of application, and number of successfully closed perforations.
Results:
Closure rate was 63.2%, 43.5%, and 12.5% for small, medium, and large perforations, respectively. Small perforations needed the least number of repeated applications and the least time for closure.
Conclusions And Significance:
Paper patching is technically simple, time saving, safe to perform, cost effective, and suitable as an outpatient procedure and has a good success rate, It should be tried in perforations smaller than 5 mm before a patient is referred for surgery.
Insights
Paper patching is a simple, cost-effective outpatient procedure for chronic tympanic membrane perforations. It shows a good success rate, especially for smaller perforations (under 5 mm), before considering surgery.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Chronic tympanic membrane perforations can impact hearing and quality of life.
- Surgical interventions for tympanic membrane perforations carry risks and costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of paper-patch myringoplasty for chronic tympanic membrane perforations of varying sizes.
- To determine the success rate and influencing factors of paper patching.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 77 patients undergoing paper-patch myringoplasty.
- Data collected included perforation size, duration, and closure success.
Main Results:
- Overall closure rate was 63.2% for small, 43.5% for medium, and 12.5% for large perforations.
- Smaller perforations required fewer applications and less time for closure.
Conclusions:
- Paper patching is a safe, cost-effective, and time-efficient outpatient procedure.
- It is recommended for tympanic membrane perforations smaller than 5 mm prior to surgical referral.
