This systematic review and meta-analysis of five studies (n=234 patients) reports the effectiveness of type I tympanoplasty with cartilage and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) compared with type I cartilage tympanoplasty alone for closure of dry tympanic membrane perforations. This is an important topic in otologic surgery to improve graft success and hearing outcomes. The included studies vary in surgical approach (endoscopic versus microscopic), as well as in PRP preparation methods and application techniques. However, all studies showed meaningful improvement in anatomical and functional outcomes, with cartilage-PRP combination tympanoplasties showing significantly improved air bone gap and air conduction thresholds. The authors conclude that PRP can enhance outcomes due to growth factor-mediated angiogenesis, fibroblast activation, collagen remodelling, accelerated epithelialisation and anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
Platelet-rich plasma-cartilage tympanoplasty
Reviewed by Gauri Mankekar
The effectiveness and safety of combining platelet-rich plasma with cartilage tympanoplasty type 1 to treat tympanic membrane perforations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
CONTRIBUTOR
Gauri Mankekar
Department of Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Louisiana, USA.
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