Research Highlight: Biomaterials in Otologic Surgery

Scaffolds are routinely used in the middle ear to provide support after tympanic membrane and ossicular chain reconstruction, to provide hemostasis or to promote tissue regeneration. Its permanence within a body cavity will depend upon several factors, such as the scaffold composition and the surgical procedure to be performed. Autologous grafts (i.e. temporalis fascia, cartilage, perichondrium) are considered the gold standard for tympanic membrane repair. Autologous grafts are associated with donor site morbidity, multiple incisions and increased surgical time. Recently, many alternatives to autologous grafts have become available including allografts (Allo Derm™), xenografts and synthetic materials. Scaffolds can also be characterized by their reabsorption rates and host reaction, and these differences can be exploited to serve different purposes during surgery. While some of these materials have been attributed healing enhancement properties, other materials have been associated with adverse effects, mainly aberrant scarring. A descriptive review of the most commonly used scaffolds in otologic surgery, current research highlights and future applications are discussed. //