Effect of pentoxifylline on the healing of guinea pig tympanic membrane.

Although most tympanic membrane perforations heal spontaneously, persistent perforations frequently require treatment by otolaryngologists. Initial management strategies include keeping the ear dry, ensuring aural hygiene, and using topical antibiotics. For persistent perforations, paper patching or myringoplasty may be required. Recently, agents such as hyaluronic acid and epidermal growth factor have been used to promote tympanic membrane healing. Similarly, pentoxifylline, a pharmaceutical agent with hemorrheological and antithrombotic properties, has been shown to increase perfusion and accelerate wound healing. This double-blinded prospective study attempts to examine the effect of pentoxifylline on tympanic membrane healing of 50 guinea pigs subjected to myringotomy. Serial examinations and histopathologic sectioning of the tympanic membranes revealed no significant difference in rate of healing or quality of repair between the pentoxifylline and control groups.