The Histological Effect Of An Adhesive In The Middle Ear

Abstract

Small amounts of the adhesive Histoacryl® were placed in the middle ear of thirteen guinea pigs. Lightmicroscopic examination of the temporal bones at 2 hours to 19 weeks after application showed initially partial destruction of the mucous membrane and periosteum of the promontory; varying degrees of osseous destruction and inflammation occurred until 7 to 8 weeks; then reparative processes came into the picture, occasionally with giant cells surrounding the adhesive material, which was present in the middle ear even 19 weeks postoperatively. Lightmicroscopic studies revealed no alterations in the inner ear. The pronounced reparative processes accompanied by new formation of connective tissue presumably are responsible for the prolonged bondage action. Our experiments, which are in accord with previous reports on the clinical application of adhesives, suggest that histoacryl may be used in ossiculoplasty when applied in small amounts and thinly spread.