Effect of Epidermal Growth Factor with Silastic Scaffold on Tympanic Membrane Perforations of Chronic Otitis Media

Abstract

Aims The burden of chronic otitis media continues to be high, especially in developing countries. The demand for corrective procedure of surgical myringoplasty, which is considered the gold standard for tympanic membrane perforations, is also growing. Hence, there is a need to innovate simpler alternative office procedures that could save effort, time, waiting period, and expenditure. Materials and Methods This prospective study of 84 patients with mucosal chronic otitis media was undertaken in a tertiary referral hospital. All patients underwent eustachian tube function test, diagnostic nasal endoscopy, and pure tone audiometry. The size of the perforation was assessed endoscopically. All perforations were freshened first with silver nitrate solution. Silastic pieces were placed medial and lateral to the perforation with epidermal growth factor gel in between. Patients were followed up for 3 months. Results The perforations were classified into three groups (healed, partially healed, and nonhealed) based on the treatment response at the end of the first and third follow-up months. Completely healed and partially healed perforations were considered as “success” and were found to be 79% in this study. Significant association was found between healing status and type of anesthesia. However, the disease stage, size of perforation, and the duration of procedure did not affect the healing status. Conclusion Silastic enhanced myringoplasty with epidermal growth factor is a simple, effective, and economical procedure that can become an alternative to surgical myringoplasty for chronic otitis media.