Fat-plug and paper-patch myringoplasty in rats

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the recovery rate in paper-patch and fat-plug myringoplasty in rats. Method: Small and large perforations were inflicted on the tympanic membran es of 60 rats. Fat-plug and paper-patch myringoplasties were performed to d ifferent groups and another group was left for spontaneous healing. Results: We found that for small perforations, the recovery rate was 94.7% in fat-plug myringoplasty, 94.4% in paper-patch myringoplasty, and 66.6% in control group. The recovery rates in large perforations were 52.9%, 56.2%, and 26.6%, respectively. On the other hand, in larger perforations, paper- patch or fat-plug myringoplasty have not been found effective. Conclusion: We believe that due to significant operational advantages, fat- plug or paper-patch myringoplasty can be suggested for the reconstruction o f small and dry perforations of the tympanic membrane.