The general purpose of this study is to compare Chitosan-dextran (Chitodex) gel versus current standard of care, Gelfoam, as a middle ear (ME) and external auditory canal (EAC) packing agent as part of tympanoplasty, ossiculoplasty and mastoidectomy procedures.
The general purpose of this study is to compare Chitosan-dextran (Chitodex) gel versus current standard of care, Gelfoam, as a middle ear (ME) and external auditory canal (EAC) packing agent as part of tympanoplasty procedures to close tympanic membrane perforations (TMP), or ossiculoplasty due to ossicular chain disruption and its sequelae, or mastoidectomy for Chromin Otitis Media (COM) or its sequelae eg cholesteatoma. The investigators aim to compare the success rates of middle ear surgery between the two products. The ultimate goal is to identify the ME packing agent-of-choice to ensure TMP closure as well as minimal inflammation of the middle ear mucosa. The most critical measure of success during tympanoplasty surgery is the closure of a chronic, pre-existing TMP. As such, the primary outcome will be a measure of tympanic membrane closure. This is performed under direct vision during routine post-operative surveillance via the use of either a hand-held otoscope or an operating otologic microscope. The investigators will perform this check at 4 distinct time-points: 2 and 6 weeks post-op, 3 months post-op and 6 months post-op. Chitosan-dextran gel is packaged within a syringe and has a cannula attached, much like the Gelfoam syringe system. Approx 3-5mL of product is applied during the surgery. Approx 2mL into the middle ear, as a support material for the graft. After graft suturing is complete, another 3mL (approx) is applied into the external ear canal as a packing agent. This is the same procedure as Gelfoam is currently used for this purpose. The surgeon will administer the gel during the surgery as they would with the standard of care Gelfoam. The product comes in a sterile kit to be opened by Scrub Nurse. Fidelity of the interventions is measured in several ways by the surgeon at the end of the operation. A good seal for the graft is always assessed for by the surgeon prior to completing any tympanoplasty. This is determined via any evidence of air escape from the middle ear when palpating the tympanic membrane and graft at the end of the procedure. A good seal indicates a well-positioned graft. The surgeon's operative notes will indicate this. The investigators will also obtain endoscopic images and videos at the end of procedure to assess positioning of the graft.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
44
GELFOAM Sterile Compressed Sponge is a medical device intended for application to bleeding surfaces as a hemostatic. It is a water-insoluble, off-white, nonelastic, porous, pliable product prepared from purified porcine skin, Gelatin USP Granules and Water for Injection, USP. It may be cut without fraying and is able to absorb and hold within its interstices, many times its weight of blood and other fluids.
The Chitogel Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Kit contains components and equipment for the preparation of a nasal gel to be applied to the sinus cavities via a supplied and specifically designed malleable cannula. The Gel preparation will take approximately 30 minutes, so preparation must start sufficiently in advance of when the Gel is expected to be used in surgery. Once the Gel has been prepared it should be applied to the sinus cavities on both sides within six hours using the malleable cannula supplied with the Kit. The Gel must be prepared on a sterile surface following these instructions. There are two main components to the Gel. 1. Dextran Aldehyde (B), which is a dry powder, and is reconstituted into a liquid form through mixing the powder with a liquid Sodium Phosphate Buffer (A). Both of these components are supplied sterile. 2. The second component Chitosan Succinamide (C), is a liquid and is also supplied sterile.
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
RECRUITINGThe Memorial Hospital
North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
RECRUITINGNumber of participants with tympanic membrane closure
tympanic membrane closure will be assessed via otoscopy (images will be captured via the otoscopic equipment)
Time frame: Pre-operatively, and 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months post-operatively
rate of tympanic membrane closure
Time taken for tympanic membrane to close, assessed by otoscopy (images will be captured via the otoscopic equipment)
Time frame: Pre-operatively, and 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months post-operatively
Number of participants with improved hearing
An audiogram will be used for assessment of hearing. It measures hearing thresholds in decibels over a range of noise frequencies from 200Hz up to 8000Hz. It is always performed in a sound-proof room with over ear headphones
Time frame: Pre-operatively, and 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months post-operatively
Number of participants with improved eardrum function
Eardrum function will be tested by Tympanometry, which tests how well the eardrum moves. The audiologist will put a small probe into the ear. A small device attached to the probe will push air into the ear. The output from the probe is translated to a graph called a tympanogram.
Time frame: Pre-operatively, and 3 months and 6 months post-operatively
Ease of use of product compared to active comparator - surgeon feedback
Ease of use of product will be assessed via surgeon's feedback The ease of which to place the packing material within the anterior mesotympanum will be assessed, as well as the ease with which adequate graft positioning was obtained at the end of surgery. This will be done on a 7-point Likert scale with 1 been very difficult and 7 being very easy to use. After the surgeon has finished the surgery, the trial staff will collect this score from the surgeon within 24 hours of the surgery.
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Time frame: Once, on day of surgery (within 6 hours post-operatively)
Time taken to complete surgery
Start and finish times for all surgeries is clocked into the hospital peri-operative software by the nursing staff in real time. This is a routine part of modern peri-operative care. These records can be retrieved to establish the total operating time of each surgery.
Time frame: Once, for the duration of the operation (hours)
Number of Participants with improved quality of life
This will be determined by a participant subjective symptom score/questionnaire, called the Modified Chronic Otitis Media Outcomes Test (modCOMOT-8 test). This is a modified/shorter version of a validated test that was designed for the current study, as there is no current validated questionnaire to assess post-tympanoplasty subjective symptoms, The original test, The Chronic Otitis Media Outcomes Test (COMOT-15 test) has been published widely. The modCOMOT-8 test includes a score for (left and right); hearing, ear discharge, ear pain, ear fullness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), vertigo, overall ear health, overall impact on quality of life. The total possible score ranges from 0 to 160, where the lower the score, the better the outcome.
Time frame: Pre-operatively, and 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months post-operatively
Clearance of Chitodex gel from middle ear
Clearance of Chitodex gel or gelfoam from middle ear will be assessed by Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This will determination of clearance the packing agent or of any inflammatory or infectious processes.
Time frame: 4 weeks post-operatively