Analysis of effect of eggshell membrane patching for moderate-to-large traumatic tympanic membrane perforation

Background and Objectives: To evaluate the effect of eggshell membrane (ESM) patching for tympanic membrane (TM) perforation, and to investigate correlations between healing time and age, gender, patching time, perforation size, and perforation location. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and seventy-five patients diagnosed with traumatic TM perforation at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Korea University Ansan Hospital, between January 2008 and October 2013. Patients were divided into two groups, according to perforation edge approximation or ESM patching treatment. Healing time was compared between the group that received perforation edge approximation and the group that received ESM patching. Perforation grade, age, onset, and location were also compared between the two groups. Results: ESM patching significantly improved healing time compared to spontaneous healing, especially in patients with moderate or large traumatic TM perforations (=grade II). However, patient age, gender, perforation location, and especially timing of procedure, did not significantly affect healing time. Conclusions: ESM patching can be a good treatment choice to promote tympanic membrane healing in large traumatic TM perforations.