title: Repair of subtotal tympanic membrane perforations with Seprafilm.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We studied the experimental use of Seprafilm, a sheet-like film form of hyaluronic acid, in the repair of subtotal perforations of the tympanic membrane (TM), and the durability of such repairs.
  
  
  METHODS
  The research was conducted on 42 Sprague-Dawley rats. Right TMs of all rats were subtotally and thermally perforated in the same fashion. Seprafilm was applied to the perforated TMs of the 21 rats comprising the experiment group. The perforated TMs of the remaining 21 rats, the control group, were left to heal spontaneously.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean healing times were recorded as 7.8 +/- 0.6 days for the Seprafilm group and 14.9 +/- 1.1 days for the control group (p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggest that Seprafilm may be a possible first choice (before the decision to operate) in subtotal perforations, considering its easy application and patient follow-up.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ondokuz Mayis University Medical School, Kurupelit Campus, 55139 Samsun, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ersin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Konakçi
authors.forename: Mehmet
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Koyuncu
authors.forename: Recep
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Unal
authors.forename: Atilla
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tekat
authors.forename: Melek
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Uyar
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002266:Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018058:Tympanic Membrane Perforation / Q000628:therapy*; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; C118198:Seprafilm; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D002266:Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium