Results of Acellular Dermis Matrix Graft Used for Tympanoplasty in Guinea Pig Model

To describe the underlay tympanoplasty technique using an acellular dermal graft(AlloDerm) for tympanic membrane (TM) reconstruction in a guinea pig model and to demonstrate the feasibility of the technique using AlloDerm tissue harvested from the prepuce as a source of tissue for future grafting in human TM reconstruction. The prepuce was divided during circumcision and the acellular dermis was prepared using a number of standard processes. Two groups of guinea pigs were prepared. In the case group (20 guinea pigs and 40 ears) removal of TM was performed with tympanoplasty using AlloDerm, and in the control group (eight guinea pigs and 16 ears), removal of TM was performed without tympanoplasty. In each group, the TM was completely removed in one ear and partially removed on the other side, and the integrity of the TMs was re-evaluated after 8 weeks. In the case group, the healing rates in the completely and partially removed TMs were 83.3% and 94.4%, respectively. The difference in healing rate (0% and 66.7%, respectively) was statistically significant (P<0.05). The use of AlloDerm is safe and effective in the repair of TM perforations in a guinea pig model. Acceptable results of AlloDerm tympanoplasty in a guinea pig model may pave the way for the effective use of this material in human TM reconstructions.