In-Office Paper Patch Placement for Tympanic Membrane Perforation.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Innovation
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Chronic tympanic membrane (TM) perforations are common, potentially leading to hearing loss and recurrent infections.
• Traditional surgical repair (myringoplasty) can be invasive and costly.
• Office-based procedures offer a more accessible treatment option.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of office-based paper patch myringoplasty for chronic TM perforations.
• To identify factors influencing the success rate of this minimally invasive technique.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 161 patients with chronic, dry, small TM perforations treated between 2016-2022.
• Procedure involved chemical cautery, edge freshening, and sterile paper patch application under microscopy.
• Closure assessed via otomicroscopy and tympanometry at 8 weeks; prognostic factors analyzed using logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Complete closure achieved in 59.8% and partial healing in 12.7% of patients by 8 weeks.
• Significant predictors of healing included smaller perforation size, anterior/superior location, and younger patient age.
• No complications were reported, indicating a safe procedure.

Conclusions:

• Paper patch myringoplasty is a safe, effective, and low-cost outpatient method for small, dry TM perforations.
• Patient selection based on perforation size, location, and age is crucial for optimal outcomes.
• This technique supports broader application in suitable cases due to its minimally invasive nature.