OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy of heparin gelatin sponge stickers in the treatment of traumatic perforation of tympanic membrane.

METHODSTotal of 79 cases (83 ears) of traumatic perforation of tympanic membrane were randomly divided into two groups: the test group had 54 patients (58 ears), and the control group had 25 cases (25 ears). The test group received the treatment of heparin gelatin sponge stickers, and the control group received conservative traditional drying method. All the subjects were followed up for 4 weeks, observed and recorded the rate and healing period of traumatic tympanic membrane.

RESULTSIn 4-week's follow-up, 56 ears were cured in the test group, with a rate of 96.55%. Fourteen ears were cured in the control group with a rate of 56.00%. The healing rate of test group was significantly higher than that of the control group (χ(2) = 18.79, P < 0.01). The average of healing period was 17.6 days in the test group, and 32.0 days in the control group. There were significant differences in healing period between two groups (t = 6.37, P < 0.01). All the cured tympanic membrane in the test group was morphologically complete. In all followed up patients, there were no allergies and signs of infection, as well as other adverse reaction in the process of healing.

CONCLUSIONThe heparin gelatin sponge can effectively enhance closure of the traumatic perforation of tympanic membrane and can shorten the healing period of traumatic perforation of tympanic membrane, and the smaller of the perforation, the shorter of healing period.