A comparative study of external ear canal packing in endoscopic ear surgery; Outcomes of Spongostan and Silastic-based ear packing on a cohort of 153 cases

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of external ear canal packing on the outcomes of endoscopic ear surgery. We specifically aimed to compare the outcomes of Spongostan-based and Silastic splint packings. Methods Retrospective analysis of 153 consecutive patients who had endoscopic ear surgery in our department from 2014 to 2021. We excluded revision surgeries and microscopic approaches to analyze the effect of the dressing in endoscopic surgery alone. Analysis was performed for two groups of procedures depending on the use of either Spongostan-based dressings left in the ear for 3 months to be absorbed or Silastic splint and ointment dressings removed 2 weeks after the procedure. Results Of the 153 patients, 50 had Silastic based dressings and 103 had Spongostan. No statistical difference was found in any of our outcomes including otorrhea (OR:1.12, p:0.742), tympanic membrane perforations (OR:0.658, p:0.374), retractions (OR:2.02, p:0.377), myringitis (OR:0.839, p:0.787), meatal stenosis (OR:1.48, p:1) and lateralization (0%). Our multivariate analysis demonstrated no differences between the cholesteatoma and graft-type groups. Conclusions Both Spongostan-based packing and Silastic splint packing have been used extensively in endoscopic ear surgery with good results. Spongostan was absorbable and required its first follow-up only at 3 months, therefore needing fewer appointments.