Role of platelet rich plasma in Type I tympanoplasty: A prospective study to assess the effectiveness of a platelet rich plasma soaked graft in the repair of tympanic membrane perforation

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic tympanic membrane perforation requires surgical intervention, typically Type I Tympanoplasty, to restore hearing and prevent recurrent infection. Conventional repair methods, such as using an autologous temporalis fascia graft, can be limited by variables including non-uptake, infection, and suboptimal healing. Platelet-Rich Plasma, a source of concentrated growth factors, has shown promise in tissue engineering to stimulate and strengthen the natural healing process.
Objective: This prospective, double-blind, interventional study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Platelet-Rich Plasma soaked temporalis fascia graft in Type I Tympanoplasty compared to conventional tympanoplasty in repairing chronic tympanic membrane perforation, specifically assessing graft uptake rate, infection rate, and audiometric improvement.
Methods: A total of 80 patients with dry chronic TM perforation were enrolled and divided into two groups of 40: the Tympanoplasty + PRP group and the Tympanoplasty group. In the PRP group, autologous PRP was prepared using a double-spin method and applied to a temporal fascia graft, which was then placed medial to the malleus. Follow-up audiometric evaluation and otoscopic examination were conducted at 3 months and 6 months post-surgery and statistical analysis was performed.
Results: The use of PRP demonstrated significantly superior outcomes with respect to graft uptake rate, infection rate and hearing improvement.
Conclusion: The application of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) to the temporalis fascia graft in Type I Tympanoplasty significantly enhances the complete healing rate, minimizes infection, and provides superior hearing improvement compared to conventional techniques.