A New Method for Closing Tympanic Membrane Perforations Using Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor

Objective: To present a new method for closing tympanic membrane perforations using basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) combined with an atelocollagen/silicone bilayer membrane as a patch material.

Study Design: Closure of tympanic membrane perforations was attempted using bFGF, which is thought to facilitate the growth of fibroblasts and collagen fibers at the margin of the perforation.

Methods: Under an operating microscope, the margin of the perforation was trimmed, and a piece of an atelocollagen/silicone bilayer membrane infiltrated with 0.2 mL Trafermin (0.1% solution) (bFGF group) or saline (control group) was then placed in the perforation with the silicon layer facing outward. Nine patients were treated with bFGF, and five were treated with saline. Data obtained from patient records included patient age, perforation size, and duration of treatment, with a focus on hearing improvement and complete tympanic membrane closure.

Results: The mean perforation size before treatment was 16.5% in the bFGF group and 9.6% in the control group. Closure of the tympanic membrane perforation was achieved in all cases in the bFGF group, whereas it was achieved in only two of five cases in the control group. With bFGF treatment, the tympanic membrane perforations closed completely within 3.7 weeks, and hearing improved by 13.3 dB in the bFGF group.

Conclusion: The study demonstrated that bFGF combined with an atelocollagen/silicone bilayer membrane is effective for the conservative treatment of tympanic membrane perforation.