Myringoplasty Using Human Birth Tissue Allografts to Repair Large Tympanic Membrane Perforations

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveExamine outcomes among a series of pediatric patients who underwent myringoplasty using human birth tissue (BT) for repair of large tympanic membrane (TM) perforations.Study DesignCase series.SettingSingle‐institution pediatric hospital.MethodsRetrospective chart review of patients treated with BT during a 4‐year study period. Subjects who underwent myringoplasty for large (size 40% or greater) TM perforations were included for this study. Patients with a stable perforation of at least 1 month's duration preoperatively who then followed up for at least 3 months postoperatively met inclusion criteria.ResultsSix subjects were included in this study. One subject underwent bilateral repair; thus, this series includes a total of 7 perforations. TM perforations ranged from 40% to 70% of the TM. At initial follow‐up (median of 2 months), 5 of the 7 perforations had healed. One of these 5 had evidence of a 10% recurrent perforation at 5 months, which subsequently healed. Of the 2 patients not healed at initial follow‐up, 1 had only a residual pinpoint perforation that subsequently healed; the other had a persistent 30% perforation that was possibly related to their postoperative recovery period, which was complicated by a respiratory viral illness.ConclusionFor large TM perforations, myringoplasty with BT grafts may be a viable alternative to longer, more invasive procedures like tympanoplasty. Larger, randomized, prospective studies are needed.