Efficacy of middle-ear packing in success of type 1 tympanoplasty: a prospective randomised study

Abstract

Objective A prospective randomised study was undertaken to compare the results of type 1 tympanoplasty with and without middle-ear packing with gelfoam. Method Eighty patients undergoing type 1 tympanoplasty were randomised into two groups according to packing in the middle ear: with gelfoam and without gelfoam. The data in terms of graft uptake rate, hearing gain and subjective improvement were analysed at one and three months. Results The graft uptake rate between both groups did not show a statistically significant difference. There was conductive hearing loss in the gelfoam group in the early post-operative period. Subjectively, patients were more comfortable with respect to heaviness and hearing gain than in the non-gelfoam group. Conclusion Gelfoam use in middle-ear packing is not an essential step and causes more discomfort in patients during the early post-operative period. It should be a surgeon's choice to use it when and where it is necessary.

A Post-marketing Surveillance, Single-Centric Study to Evaluate the Safety and Tolerability of VELNEZ as a Space-Occupying Dressing Pack After Ear Surgery

“…The patient’s comfort was also evaluated by monitoring the pressure experienced due to the application of the VELNEZ ear pack. In a prospective randomized study [ 17 ], Gelfoam used in middle-ear packing caused more discomfort in patients during the early postoperative period in comparison to the group without packing. Zeitoun et al [ 8 ] compared four different non-absorbable ear packs following middle ear surgery.…”

Tympanoplasty in the Setting of Complex Middle Ear Pathology: A Systematic Review

“…Twenty studies reported grafting technique, only one of which compared outcomes using multiple techniques in a single study. 31 As predominantly single studies with different techniques, these publications could not be assessed for outcomes (Supplemental Table 2).…”

“…Twenty-six studies discussing the outcomes of tympanoplasty in the setting of chronic suppurative otitis media met inclusion criteria. Sahoo et al 31 compared the use of an underlay technique with or without the supporting gelfoam packing. Patients without gelfoam packing had significantly higher postoperative ABG gain at 1 month.…”