Merocel in Ear Surgery – A Blessing in Disguise: A Prospective Observational Study

Authors

  • Veeus Nag Mukherjee PGT in ENT(Final Year), MBBS MS ENT (PGT) CCEBDM, Department of ENT &Head Neck Surgery, Nil Ratan Sarkar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal 700014
  • Soumen Biswas Medical Officer, MBBS, MS (ENT), Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Garden Reach State General Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal 700044
  • Biswajit Sikder Professor, MBBS, MS, Department of ENT, Nil Ratan Sarkar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal 700014

Abstract

Background: Merocel nasal packs are widely used in nasal surgeries and epistaxis management, but their role in otologic surgery remains unexplored. Objective: To assess the outcomes of postoperative Merocel application in the external auditory canal following conchomeatoplasty, meatal reconstruction, and in diffuse otitis externa. Methods: Prospective observational study of 50 patients, divided into Merocel and non-Merocel groups, followed postoperatively for epithelialization, healing, stoma maintenance, meatal aperture, and pain reduction. Results: The comparison between CWU and CWD groups showed no significant differences in baseline characteristics such as age, gender, or side distribution. Audiometric thresholds at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz, as well as overall PTA, were comparable between the two groups both pre- and postoperatively. Audiometric gain across all tested frequencies was also similar, with no significant difference in mean PTA gain. Distribution of ABG closure (<10 dB, 11–20 dB, and >20 dB) did not differ significantly between groups. Complications such as infection, residual disease, dizziness, and granulation tissue formation were observed in both groups without significant variation. No meaningful correlation was found between studied parameters and outcomes in either group. Conclusion: Merocel serves as a simple, effective adjunct in ear surgeries and otitis externa management, with potential for broader application.

Keywords:

Merocel, ear surgery, nasal packing, postoperative complications, healing, prospective observational study, patient outcomes

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Published

2025-09-09
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Vol. 16 No. 9 (2025): Volume16,Issue9

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Articles