The effect of platelet-rich fibrin membrane on the repair of perforated tympanic membrane: an experimental study

Conclusion: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane could be used successfully in the repair of tympanic membrane perforation and wound healing. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of platelet-rich fibrin membrane in the repair of perforated tympanic membrane. Methods: After otoscopic examination, a 3-mm perforation was made in the posterior quadrant of both tympanic membranes of 50 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Venous blood was withdrawn from the rats, then centrifuged. PRF was obtained in membrane form. The membrane was placed on the right tympanic membrane perforation. The perforations on the left side were left to spontaneously heal and, thus, formed the control group. Daily examinations were made of 20 rats and the time to healing of the tympanic membrane was recorded. The remaining 30 rats were separated into five groups of six, and histopathological examination was made. Evaluation was made in respect of the presence of oedema in the lamina propria, neovascularization, fibroblastic reaction, and inflammatory cells. Results: The healing time of the tympanic membrane perforation was determined as mean 10.3 +/- 2.18 days in the study group applied with PRF and 17 +/- 2.40 days in the control group. Higher values in respect of fibrosis and neovascularization were obtained in the study group.