[Healing of tympanic membrane perforation-a complex process influenced by a variety of factors]

It is known that the healing of a perforated tympanic membrane can be influenced by mechanical procedures as well as drugs. Animal experiments have recently shown that local treatment with steroids delays the healing of a tympanic membrane perforation, whereas hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) improves the healing rate as well as the quality of the scar. Hyaluronan, a non-sulphated glycosaminoglycan, belongs to the extracellular matrix substances. In the present study another glycosaminoglycan--heparin--was applied on experimental tympanic membrane perforations. This report confirmed that also this extracellular matrix substance improves the healing rate of a tympanic membrane perforation and the scar quality.