The effect of hydrogel and alginate materials on the success of tympanoplasty - experimental study

It is aimed to show the effects of hydrogel and alginate materials alone or in combination in the repair of experimental tympanic membrane perforation. 30 adult female rats of Wistar albino genus were divided into 3 groups. Bilateral myringotomy was performed on rats in all groups. Hydrogel was applied to the left ear of the rats in the first group, alginate was applied to the left ear of the rats in the second group, and hydrogel and alginate were applied to the left ear of the rats in the third group. The right ears were left to heal spontaneously as the control group. Eardrum examinations were performed on the bilateral ears of all rats on the 3rd, 7th, 14th and 21st days and perforation healing times were recorded. After decapitation of the rats on the 21st day, histopathological examination was performed. Study showes that perforation healing time is significantly shorter in all groups compared to the control groups. When the healed tympanic membrane thicknesses of all groups and the control group is compared, no significant difference exists. Hydrogel and alginate have been found to speed up the healing process of tympanic membrane perforation, both alone and combined usage. This study demonstrates the effects of hydrogel and alginate on tympanic membrane perforation healing.