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Evaluating the Necessity of Ear Packing After Otologic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Alper Tabaru1, Zeliha Kapusuz Gencer, Sahin Ogreden
1Otolaryngology Department, Basaksehir Cam ve Sakura City Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey.
Summary
Ear packing is not necessary for myringoplasty in select cases. This study found no significant difference in graft success or hearing outcomes between patients who received ear packing and those who did not.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Innovation
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Myringoplasty is a common otological procedure.
- The necessity of ear packing post-myringoplasty is debated.
- Optimizing surgical techniques can improve patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of ear packing on graft success in myringoplasty.
- To assess postoperative hearing outcomes with and without ear packing.
- To determine if omitting ear packing simplifies the procedure without affecting results.
Main Methods:
- A prospective randomized controlled trial involving 200 patients.
- Patients undergoing myringoplasty for inactive chronic suppurative otitis media were randomized.
- Comparison of graft success (microscopy) and hearing gains (audiometry) between packed and non-packed ears.
Main Results:
- Graft take rates were similar at 3 months (92% vs. 90%) and 6 months (90% vs. 88%) between groups.
- No statistically significant difference in graft success (p=0.63, p=0.67).
- Similar hearing improvements were observed in both groups (p=0.73).
Conclusions:
- Myringoplasty without ear packing is a viable alternative.
- Omitting ear packing does not compromise graft success or hearing outcomes.
- Simplifying the myringoplasty procedure is possible in select cases.
