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Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate
the effect of topical mitomycin-C application before
or after incisional myringotomy on patency times
and to asess its use as an alternative to ventilation
tube insertion.
Materials and Methods: Nineteen guinea pigs were
divided into two groups. In the study group (n=11),
mitomycin-C was applied in a concentration of 0.4
mg/ml over the perforation for five minutes before
(n=6) or after (n=5) incisional myringotomies in both
ears. Control animals (n=8) received 0.1 ml 0.09%
NaCl for the same duration. Evaluations were made
on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 21. The patency
times, otorrhea, and other complications were
recorded.
Results: Compared to controls (7.0±1.5 days), the
mean patency times of perforations were significantly
longer in mitomycin-C treated groups before (11.6±5.2
days) and after (14.2±4.7 days) incisional myringotomies
(p<0.05). Patency times did not differ significantly
between the two mitomycin-C groups. None of
the ears exhibited permanent perforation.
Conclusion: The length of patency provided by mitomycin-
C is not sufficient for optimal ventilation in
otitis media with effusion. However, in cases requiring
shorter patency times mitomycin-C application
before or after myringotomy may be an alternative to
ventilation tube insertion.