The Influence of Ciprofloxacin-Dexamethasone Ear Drops on Perforation Closure Rates After Endoscopic Tympanoplasty.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE\nTopical ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone have both been shown to disrupt healing of tympanic membrane perforations in animal models. There have been no clinical studies evaluating the effect of ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone (CD) ear drops on success of tympanoplasty. We compare perforation closure rates in pediatric endoscopic tympanoplasty with and without use of postoperative CD.\n\n\nSTUDY DESIGN\nRetrospective comparative cohort study.\n\n\nSETTING\nTertiary referral centre.\n\n\nPATIENTS\nOne hundred sixty-two totally endoscopic tympanoplasties with porcine-derived collagen graft in children, mean age 12.0\u200ayears (range 2.3-17.9\u200ayrs).\n\n\nINTERVENTION\nPrescription of CD versus no ear drops in the immediate postoperative period.\n\n\nMAIN OUTCOME MEASURE\nPerforation closure rate 2\u200amonths after totally endoscopic tympanoplasty.\n\n\nRESULTS\nPostoperative CD was given to 65 (40%) ears and no drops given to the remainder. Overall, successful closure of tympanic membrane perforation was achieved in 140 (86%) of ears. The closure rate was not significantly different in those ears given CD postoperatively than those not given CD (54/65 [83%] vs 86/97 [89%], Fisher s p\u200a=\u200a0.35). Multiple logistical regression revealed no confounding effect of other variables on outcome including age, revision surgery, graft position, or type of postoperative packing material.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nOur results reveal no harm or benefit with prescription of drops containing ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone on success of perforation closure after tympanoplasty. Allocation to treatment in this retrospective study was nonrandomized and was predominantly based on a change in practice. No other variables are known to have influenced this finding but a randomized prospective study could be justified for more reliable evidence.