Concentrated growth factors promote epithelization in the mastoid obliteration after canal wall down mastoidectomy

This retrospective study aimed at comparing the extent of epithelialization in mastoid obliteration after Canal Wall Down (CWD) mastoidectomy using Hydroxyapatite (HA) alone or using HA in combination with Concentrated Growth Factor (CGF) extracted from autologous blood.

A total of 56 patients undergoing the CWD mastoidectomy were enrolled. One group was treated by HA, while the other group received HA and CGF for mastoid obliteration (CGF/HA). A review of the medical follow-up records of all patients was conducted, with a primary focus on the otoendoscopic imaging materials. Complete epithelialization was determined by the absence of granulation, discharge, and swelling. The requisite period for complete epithelialization of the mastoid cavity was thus calculated, scored, and analyzed between treatments.

Ear discharge, graft swelling, and poor blood supply were more frequently observed in the HA group. The proportion of patients group that achieved complete epithelialization within 60 days post operation was significantly higher in the CGF/HA group than the HA group. According to the scoring system for complete epithelialization, the median score of the CGF/HA group was 2, significantly higher than that of the HA treatment group (median score = 1, p = 0.032). Altogether, our results indicated that duration needed for complete epithelialization in the CGF/HA group was shorter than the control group.

The application of CGF to surgical cavity obliteration following a CWD mastoidectomy significantly promotes epithelialization, thereby achieving satisfactory results. Randomized controlled trials with a larger number of patients enrolled were worth launching in the future to better substantiate the value of CGF in obliteration of mastoid cavity.

Level 2-Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence.