The long-term stability after regeneration therapy for tympanic membrane perforation

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Tympanic membrane perforation (TMP) can result from trauma or infection.
• Surgical interventions like tympanoplasty and myringoplasty are common treatments.
• Exploring regenerative therapies offers potential for less invasive TMP closure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term efficacy and stability of a regenerative treatment for TMP.
• To assess the closure rate and safety profile of using gelatin sponge, bFGF, and fibrin glue.
• To compare the outcomes of this regenerative therapy with traditional surgical methods.

Main Methods:

• The regenerative treatment involved up to four applications of gelatin sponge, bFGF, and fibrin glue.
• Patients achieving initial perforation closure were followed for at least 1 year.
• Reperforation rates and complications were systematically monitored post-treatment.

Main Results:

• Complete tympanic membrane closure was maintained in 83.3% (45/54) of cases after 1 year.
• The regenerative therapy demonstrated a high and stable perforation closure rate.
• Complications were minimal, with only five cases experiencing small perforations and no significant adverse events like dizziness or cholesteatoma.

Conclusions:

• Regenerative therapy with gelatin sponge, bFGF, and fibrin glue offers long-term stability for TMP closure.
• The treatment is feasible and safe, achieving closure rates comparable to conventional tympanoplasty and myringoplasty.
• This approach presents a promising alternative for managing tympanic membrane perforations.