Searching for a Better Animal Model for Chronic Tympanic Membrane Perforation

TL;DR

This study explores creating a reliable animal model for chronic eardrum perforation to test surgical techniques and materials.

Contribution

A new method using thermic myringotomy in chinchillas is proposed for creating stable and reproducible chronic tympanic membrane perforations.

Findings

Thermic myringotomy resulted in 93.7% of cases having perforations lasting at least 4 weeks.

62.5% of thermic myringotomy cases had perforations lasting 12 weeks.

The model showed stability and reproducibility for future experimental use.

Abstract

Chronic tympanic membrane perforation represents a prevalent otological condition, necessitating a reliable animal model for the validation and safety assessment of surgical techniques and materials employed in myringoplasty. This prospective study involved the establishment of chronic tympanic membrane perforation animal models in 16 chinchillas. A thermic myringotomy was conducted on the right ear (study group), followed by cold instrument myringotomy, coupled with the topical application of mitomycin C and dexamethasone solution on the left ear (control group). Results revealed that tympanic membrane perforations in the study group persisted for a minimum of 4 weeks in 93.7% of cases and extended to 12 weeks in 62.5% of the cases. In contrast, all tympanic membrane perforations in the control group were present at 4 weeks, with only 37.5% persisting after 12 weeks, although statistical tests did not find significant differences between the two groups (chi-square: p-value = 0.157, Kruskal–Wallis: p-value = 0.093, Mann–Whitney: p-value = 0.121). The thermic myringotomy employed to induce chronic tympanic membrane perforation in animals demonstrated efficiency and sustainability. This model, characterized by stability and reproducibility, holds promise for future experimental applications in the field.

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