Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the outcome (graft uptake, success rate, and hearing gain) among patients undergoing type 1 tympanoplasty with and without topical use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) over the graft. Materials and Methods: This randomized, prospective, comparative study was conducted among 60 patients divided into two groups: cases and control consisting of 30 patients each, having inactive mucosal Chronic otitis media who underwent type I tympanoplasty with or without cortical mastoidectomy along with the use of PRF for enhancing the graft uptake versus patients who underwent tympanoplasty with or without cortical mastoidectomy without the use of PRF. Results: There was a significant improvement in the uptake of the graft after the use of PRF: 28 (93%) as compared to control 22 (73%). Preoperative and postoperative air-bone gap (A-B gap) was calculated at the end of 1 year and compared, and it was found to be statistically significantly better both in the case and control group (P < 0.05). The improved postoperative success rate in the platelet-rich fibrin-aided type 1 tympanoplasty group emphasizes the presence of growth factors which leads to better healing, with the added benefit of the antimicrobial effect of platelet-rich fibrin. Conclusion: Our results have shown that PRF indeed increases graft uptake, and is a useful adjunct, particularly in large central perforations.

Background A common problem in otological surgeries is the persistence of ear discharge in a patient who has undergone middle-ear reconstructive surgery, despite an intact graft. There is a dearth of knowledge in the literature on treatment strategies in such post-operative cases of recalcitrant otorrhoea. Method This was a retrospective observational descriptive study conducted on 45 patients who fitted the criteria for recalcitrant post-operative otorrhoea. All 45 patients showed no response to conservative treatment for 14 days from onset of discharge. Therefore, these patients were then given antiseptic ear drops. Results Thirty patients out of 45 showed a good response to antiseptic ear drops and achieved a dry ear at the end of the treatment. Conclusion In patients with recalcitrant otorrhoea with or without granulations after middle-ear reconstruction surgery, this study found that topical antiseptic ear drops, particularly those using boric acid powder, are more effective than topical antibiotic drops.