Publication:

Methelene blue stained temporalis fascia graft in myringoplasty: a clinical study

Background The objective of the study were to know advantages of using methelene blue stained graft in tympanoplasty and to compare results between tympanoplasty with or without methelene blue stained graft.

Methods This is a prospective study involving 60 patiens diagnosed with of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) of mucosal type. Selected patients were aged between 20 years to 45 years. Those patients with active discharge, treated initially with antibiotics, to contro infection, and once dry ears maintained for minimum 6 weeks were planned for surgery. Among 60 cases, 30 patients underwent tympanoplasty (I) with methelene blue stained graft and other 30 patients underwent tympanoplasty (I) using unstained graft. Patients were followed up for 6 months.

Results Patients outcomes were compared in terms of graft uptake and hearing improvement. Among all patients graft uptake was better in cases where methelene blue stained graft was used, but the results were not statistically significant. Hearing improvement in terms of air bone gap closure was assessed, study showed there was better air bone gap closure in cases where methelene blue stained graft is used and results were statistically significant.

Conclusions Advantages of methelene blue staining allows better identification and proper placement of the graft, gives good results in terms of improved graft uptake, as it has antimicrobial properties. Hearing improvement results in terms of closure of air-bone are good.