The rate and pattern of otic epithelial migration: systematic review

Abstract Background Epithelial migration has been associated with the self-cleansing mechanism of the ear. The rate and pattern of epithelial migration in healthy and pathological ears are reviewed. Methods Two authors independently screened articles over one month using the following search terms: epithelial migration, epithelial, tympanic membrane, external auditory canal and mastoidectomy cavity. Results Ten studies were included. The fastest rate of epithelial migration was observed in the external auditory canal, with a mean of 144.75 μm per day, whereas the slowest epithelial migration was seen in post-mastoidectomy cavities, with a rate of 20 μm per day. Epithelial migration was present in both studies involving post-mastoidectomy cavities. Conclusion Epithelial migration is faster in healthy tympanic membrane than in pathological tympanic membrane. The rate of epithelial migration in the external auditory canal was higher in the pathological group than in the healthy group. Epithelial migration is present in post-mastoidectomy cavities.