Effect of pentoxifylline on the healing of guinea pig tympanic membrane

Although most tympanic membrane perforations heal spontaneously, persistent perforations frequently require treatment by otolaryngologists. Initial ma nagement strategies include keeping the ear dry, ensuring aural hygiene, an d using topical antibiotics. For persistent perforations. paper patching or myringoplasty may be required. Recently, agents such as hyaluronic acid an d epidermal growth factor have been used to promote tympanic membrane heali ng. Similarly, pentoxifylline, a pharmaceutical agent with hemorrheological and antithrombotic properties, has been shown to increase perfusion and ac celerate wound healing. This double-blinded prospective study attempts to e xamine the effect of pentoxifylline on tympanic membrane healing of 50 guin ea pigs subjected to myringotomy. Serial examinations and histopathologic s ectioning of the tympanic membranes revealed no significant difference in r ate of healing or quality of repair between the pentoxifylline and control groups.