The Effects of Hyaluronic Acid on Myringoplasty in Rats

Abstract

Tympanic membrane perforations arise from a variety of causes. Some of them require myringoplasty. In this study, we used hyaluronic acid, a polysaccharide with high-molecular-weight which may be obtained commercially and affects modulations of cell function. An experimental myringoplasty was performed on rats in which a chronic dry tympanic membrane perforation was formed. While physiological saline was embedded in Gelfoam® which was supported under and over the graft, in group 1, hyaluronic acid embedded gelfoam was used in group 2. Better epithelization, less calcification and scar tissue were established in group 2 myringoplasties. This study shows that hyaluronic acid may be used in myringoplasty especially in myringosclerotic tympanic membrane perforations.