Performing Transcanal Tympanoplasty with Human Amniotic Membrane Allograft

Abstract

Objectives: Determine if dehydrated human amniotic membrane (dHAM) can be successfully used in tympanoplasty. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 14 patients in one year with a tympanic membrane perforation of >6 months’ duration who underwent type I tympanoplasty with a dHAM allograft. The subjects did not have active infection, mastoiditis, or previous attempted repair. All patients underwent pre-operative audiologic testing and transcanal repair with an overlay technique. Operative time was recorded in each patient, as well as pre-operative and post-operative photographs. Patients were examined at 1-, 3- and 6-weeks post-operatively, at which point audiograms were repeated. Success was measured using photomicrographs. Study outcomes included operative time, post-operative pain assessment, graft success and audiologic improvement. Patients were also surveyed post-operatively on their satisfaction of undergoing transcanal tympanoplasty with dHAM. Results: The mean operative time was 13.3 ± 0.10 minutes. Only one patient (7%) in the group reported having post-operative pain one week after surgery. About 70% of patients had complete or partial success. The pre-operative mean air-bone gap was 23.0dB and the post-operative mean air-bone gap was 16.7dB. All patients (100%) were satisfied in undergoing transcanal tympanoplasty with dHAM. Conclusions: Transcanal tympanoplasty with dHAM is a time efficient alternative to traditional tympanoplasty with a high rate of surgical success and high patient satisfaction.