ABSTRACT

To assess the effectiveness of paper patch closure of tympanic membrane perforation in patients with otomycosis and tympanic membrane perforation.

Fifty-six otomycosis patients with central tympanic membrane perforations were included in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups as patched (PG) and non-patched (NPG) groups. In both groups, Castellani’s solution was applied to the external auditory canal. In PG patients, the perforated tympanic membrane was covered with carbon paper patch soaked in Castellani’s solution to reduce ear canal humidity and to prevent fungi from passing from the ear canal to the middle ear mucosa. Paper patch was not used in NPG patients.

There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of severity scores in the first, second, third, fourth and sixth weeks of admission (p=0.004, p=0.018, p=0.001, p=0.009, and p<0.001, respectively). Time to complete recovery was statistically shorter in PG patients (p<0.001). Disease recurrence was statistically less among PG patients compared to NPG patients (p=0.025).

Closing of perforation with paper patch and topical application of Castellani’s solution was found to be an effective and safe method. The method eliminated otomycosis in a shorter period and reduced recurrence rate in patients with eardrum perforation.

Keywords: Otomycosis, fungal infection, ear surgery, tympanic membrane perforation, Castellani’s solution