Comparing Chitodex Gel and Gelfoam in Ear Surgery
Official title: A Single-blinded Randomised Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of Chitosan-dextran (Chitodex) Gel Versus Gelfoam Sponge Instillation Within the Middle Ear and External Auditory Canal During Tympanoplasty Surgery
Run by Central Adelaide Local Health Network Incorporated · NCT06260618 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether a new gel called Chitodex works better than the usual packing material, Gelfoam, during ear surgeries to help patients heal and close their eardrum effectively.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Central Adelaide Local Health Network Incorporated Government |
| Locations | 2 sites (Adelaide, South Australia and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 20, 2021 |
| Main results expected | May 13, 2025 |
| Study ends | May 13, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | November 13, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT06260618 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults with tympanic membrane perforations requiring surgical closure, ossicular chain disruptions, or chronic otitis media.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with cholesteatoma or those whose operative ear is their only hearing ear may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Chitosan-dextran (Chitodex) gel against the standard packing agent Gelfoam during tympanoplasty, ossiculoplasty, and mastoidectomy procedures. The focus is on evaluating the success rates of tympanic membrane closure and minimizing inflammation in the middle ear. Participants will undergo surgery and be assessed at multiple post-operative time points to determine the primary outcome of tympanic membrane closure. The gel is applied during surgery to support grafts and pack the ear canal.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and faster recovery for patients undergoing ear surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using alternative packing agents in ear surgeries, but the specific use of Chitodex gel is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Individuals who have otoscopic evidence of tympanic membrane perforation that is also confirmed by tympanometry (Defined as a Type B tympanogram, with elevated EAC volume) AND 1. The TM perforation is associated with at least 15dB of conductive hearing loss on the affected side AND 2. Are indicated to undergo closure of the perforation via tympanoplasty surgery 2. OR Individuals who are indicated for ossiculoplasty due to ossicular chain disruption and its sequelae 3. OR Individuals who are indicated for mastoidectomy for COM or its sequelae eg cholesteatoma 4. Demonstrate healthy, dry middle ear mucosal cavities at time of surgery AND 5. Are 18 years of age or over AND 6. Are able to give written informed consent AND 7. Are committed to returning for post-operative assessments at 2 and 6 weeks post-op, 3-, and 6- months post-op Exclusion Criteria: 1. Operative ear is the better or only hearing ear 2. The ear has evidence of cholesteatoma or other middle ear tumour during otoscopic examination 3. dysfunction during otoscopic and tympanometric examination 4. Known allergy to shellfish or ciprofloxacin antibiotics 5. Pregnant or breastfeeding 6. Hepatitis, HIV or any blood disorders 7. COVID-19 positive patients 8. Contra-indications for MRI
Where it's running
-
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Recruiting -
The Memorial Hospital
North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Prof Peter-John Wormald, MD — Central Adelaide Local Health Network
- Study coordinator: Prof Peter-John Wormald, MD,
- Email: pjwormald@gmail.com
- Phone: +61 8 82227158
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Platelet-Rich Fibrin–Supported Conchal Cartilage Graft for Revision Tympanoplasty
This study tests whether using a patient’s own conchal cartilage graft with platelet-rich fibrin can repair a recurrent perforation after prior cartilage tympanoplasty, done under local anesthesia.
-
Parent-led Digital Ear Imaging to Detect Acute Otitis Media
Parents use a digital otoscope at home and AI analyzes the images to see if a child has acute otitis media, aiming to reduce unnecessary doctor visits.
-
CLiKX Tympanostomy Tube Delivery System for Ear Tube Placement
A device is being tested to place ear tubes in both children and adults to see if it can be safely and effectively position the tube during tympanostomy procedures.
-
Families' views on antibiotic length and using a smartwatch to track children's symptoms
We will see if families are comfortable with shorter antibiotic courses and if a Garmin smartwatch can help track symptoms in children aged 4–17 with uncomplicated infections.
-
Solo+ Tympanostomy Tube Device: Post-Market Follow-Up
This study tests how well the Solo+ tympanostomy tube device works in people who are getting or have already gotten ear tubes, by collecting doctor notes and patient/guardian experiences after the procedure.
-
SWIR Otoscope: Testing a New Way to See Ear Infections in Kids
This study tests whether a short wave infrared (SWIR) otoscope can better identify middle ear fluid in children undergoing tympanostomy tube placement than a standard white light otoscope.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.