Endoscopic transcanal underlay myringoplasty using a platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane

Abstract

BackgroundTympanic membrane perforations are among the most common indications for otological surgery. Surgeons from all around the world have made accidental and intentional contributions to find the perfect graft material and the best approach to perform tympanoplasty. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) use in myringoplasty has been popular in the last decade among many surgeons. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of using PRF only as a graft material in myringoplasty.MethodsWe conducted a prospective study including 20 patients with dry central tympanic membrane perforations. The patients underwent endoscopic transcanal myringoplasty using a platelet-rich fibrin membrane by underlay technique. Follow-up was done 3 months postoperatively regarding graft uptake and hearing outcome by audiological assessment using pure tone audiometry.ResultsSixty percent of patients were surgically successful with complete healing of the tympanic membrane, 10% were partially successful with partial healing of the tympanic membrane, and 30% failed with complete loss of graft. The mean air-bone gap closure was 3.5 dB. No major complications were reported.ConclusionEndoscopic myringoplasty using platelet-rich fibrin alone can be performed in cases with tympanic membrane perforations as an alternative to using other autologous grafts. It is a new reliable method for myringoplasty, as well as being an easy, time-saving procedure that avoids the need for any skin incision.