The Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Repair of Tympanic Membrane Perforation

Abstract

Introduction Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains high platelet concentration and growth factors that help in rapid wound healing, hemostasis, and decreased scarring. It has been used in various conditions to aid in healing, but its use in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) is not yet common. Objective To compare the outcome of using PRP with myringoplasty with that of myringoplasty alone in the repair of tympanic membrane perforations. Methods Sixty-eight patients in the 16-to-50 years age group with tympanic membrane perforation of 3 months duration, with dry ear for 6 weeks, and mild to-moderate conductive hearing loss were selected and divided by simple randomization into 2 equal groups. A thorough preoperative evaluation was done. In group A, patients underwent myringoplasty, and in group B, patients underwent myringoplasty with PRP. Patients were followed up for 3 months postsurgery. Results At 6 weeks, 67.6 and 94.1% had graft uptake in groups A and B, respectively (p-value 0.011). At 3 months, 85.3 and 97.1% had graft uptake in groups A and B, respectively (p-value 0.197). The mean pure tone audiometry difference in group A was 8.35 ± 2.05, and 11.00 ± 2.28 in group B (p < 0.001). The mean air-bone gap difference for group A was 8.29 ± 2.14, and 10.76 ± 2.36 for group B (p < 0.001). Graft uptake rate at 6 weeks, pure tone audiometry, and air-bone gap difference were statistically significant. Conclusion The present study results showed that the use of PRP during myringoplasty aids healing of the tympanic membrane with better hearing improvement in the postoperative period when compared to myringoplasty alone.