Pilot study on the use of a platelet rich plasma in Myringoplasty
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Case Series: A pilot study on the use of a platelet rich plasma soaked spongestan block in the treatment of Tympanic Membrane perforation
IRAS ID
344515
Contact name
Rahul Kanegaonkar
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Medway nhs trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 1 days
Research summary
This research project aims to explore a new method for treating a common ear problem: perforations (holes) in the eardrum, typically treated through a surgery called myringoplasty. In the standard procedure, surgeons make a large cut behind the ear, take a piece of tissue, and use it to patch the hole in the eardrum. This method requires general anaesthesia and comes with several risks, including bleeding, infection, and hearing loss.
Our study proposes using a different approach by applying a special treatment called platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to the eardrum. PRP is made from a sample of the patient’s own blood and is rich in natural healing factors. This plasma will be soaked into a dissolvable sponge and placed directly on the perforated eardrum. We believe this method could enhance the ear’s natural healing process, reduce surgery risks, and require a shorter time under anaesthesia.
The study will be conducted at the Ear, Nose, and Throat Department of Medway Maritime Hospital. We plan to include adults between 18 and 65 years old who have not seen improvement in their condition after 9 months. These participants will receive the PRP treatment and will be closely monitored to measure the healing of the eardrum and any improvement in hearing.
This research is designed as a pilot study, meaning its primary goal is to test the feasibility of this new approach. By focusing on safety and effectiveness, we aim to provide a foundation for future research and potential new treatments that could benefit patients with fewer risks and discomfort.REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/LO/0866
Date of REC Opinion
21 Feb 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion