Data was retrospectively collected at a single institution from 2009,
July to 2018, January. The inclusion criteria are patients diagnosed of
chronic focal myringitis with the symptoms signs for more than one
month. We treated those enrolled with ear drop, containing Boric acid,
Alcohol and Glycerin Ear Drop (BAAG) otic solution three drops once and
three times daily for at least one month. If symptoms persisted or only
partial clinical improvement, surgical treatment was implied. The
surgery group were divided into the CO2 laser and
caustic agent cauterization with trichloroacetic acid (TAA). The flow
chart of data collection was presented in figure. 1. The distribution of
CO2 laser and TAA cauterization were all randomized.
Both the CO2 and TAA group were carried out by a single
surgeon under microscope in the operation room, with the record document
by the rotated residency at the “Blinded for review”.
The excluded criteria were described as below: (1) the patients who had
diffused granular myringitis; (2) the disease involve middle ear cavity
or external ear canal; (3) accepted surgical treatment differ from
CO2 laser or TAA cauterization; (4) those who had loss
followed-up after surgery or refused surgical treatment.
We defined the successful criteria as no granulation tissue noted in
local finding and symptom improved with post-operative follow up at
least four months. If local findings showed granulation tissue again and
symptom relapsed within four months to a year after surgery, it will be
regarded as recurrence. At last, if symptoms show up again or clinically
discover granulation on tympanic membrane after a year after the
surgery, we consider it a new onset.