Eustachian tube function in children.

Eustachian tube function of children with bilateral serous otitis media was studied in 14 ears following myringotomy and pressure equalizing tube insertion. Cases with non-Eustachian tube pathology potentially contributing to Eustachian tube dysfunction were excluded from the study. Eustachian tube function was evaluated utilizing an impedance audiometer to document neutralization of positive and negative middle ear pressures. All cases showed persistent tubal dysfunction for up to six months. Partial incomplete neutralization of positive pressure occurred in 64 per cent, but in no case could negative pressure be partially neutralized even when "locking" was relieved with valsalva. Continuous ventilation of the middle ear for up to six months did not allow a return to normal Eustachian tube function. This is extremely effective palliation, and should be recognized as such.     

Balloon dilation of Eustachian tube combined with tympanostomy tube insertion and middle ear pressure equalization therapy for recurrent secretory otitis media

ObjectiveTo report outcomes of balloon dilation Eustachian tuboplasty combined with tympanostomy tube insertion and middle ear pressure equalization therapy in treatment of recurrent secretory otitis media.MethodsFifty one patients with recurrent secretory otitis media (62 ears) underwent balloon dilation of Eustachian tube and tympanic tube insertion under general anesthesia, followed by long term middle ear pressure equalization therapies. The Eustachian tube score (ETS) and Eustachian tube function questionnaire (ETDQ-7) were used for pre- and postoperative (up to 12 months) evaluation of Eustachian tube functions.ResultsThe mean ETS score was 2.34 ± 0.97 preoperatively, and 6.17 ± 1.54, 7.23 ± 1.62, 8.24 ± 1.97, and 7.63 ± 1.86 at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, respectively (P < 0.05). The ETDQ-7 score was 4.82 ± 1.07 preoperatively, and 2.20 ± 0.54, 2.32 ± 0.68, 2.53 ± 0.79, and 2.67 ± 0.76 at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, respectively (P < 0.05).ConclusionBalloon dilation of Eustachian tube combined with tympanostomy and catheterization resulted in significant improvement of subjective symptoms and objective evaluation of Eustachian tube functions in most patients with recurrent secretory otitis media, as indicated by the ETS and ETDQ-7 scores, demonstrating high levels of efficacy and patient satisfaction.     

The effect of ventilation tube insertion or trans-tympanic silicone plug insertion on a patulous Eustachian tube

Conclusions This study suggests that long-term ventilation tube insertion is the first-choice surgical treatment for a ‘sniff-type’ patulous Eustachian tube (PET). When treating a refractory PET, it is important to determine whether the patient had a habitual sniff. Objectives PET patients were divided into two groups: patients with a habitual sniff (sniff-type PET) and those without a habitual sniff (non-sniff-type PET). This study examined the effects of ventilation tube insertion or silicone plug insertion in each group. Methods Surgical procedures such as ventilation tube insertion or trans-tympanic silicone plug insertion were performed for these patients. Tubotympanoaero-dynamic graphy (TTAG) was also performed to determine the mechanisms underlying these treatments. Results There were 11 cases (17 ears) of sniff-type PET and 20 cases (27 ears) of non-sniff-type PET. An improvement in symptoms was found in 72.7% of the patients who underwent silicone plug insertion (66.7% for sniff-type PET and 74.1% for non-sniff-type PET) and in 90.9% of the patients who underwent ventilation tube insertion for sniff-type PET. In TTAG assessments, many sniff-type PET patients showed significant synchronous changes at high levels of pressure (over 40 daPa) in the external auditory meatus and nasopharynx when performing a slight Valsalva manoeuvre (below 200 daPa).     

鼻内镜下咽鼓管置管术治疗分泌性中耳炎

目的探索有效治疗分泌性中耳炎的方法。方法将分泌性中耳炎患者63例（78耳）随机分成两组：实验组：在鼻内镜下,对31例（38耳）分泌性中耳炎患者行咽鼓管置管术,留管并反复注药治疗;对照组：对32例（40耳）患者使用传统的鼓膜切开置管术治疗,术后随访6～9个月,比较两组疗效。结果实验组治愈16耳,占42．1％,好转18耳,占47．4％,总有效率89．5％：对照组：治愈8耳,占20．0％,好转21耳,占52.5％,总有效率72．5％。治疗后两组差异有显著性（P〈0．05）。结论在鼻内镜下行咽鼓管置管术是在直视下操作,通过咽鼓管的自然通道插入导管,不仅避免了损伤鼓膜,也避免了咽鼓管吹张的重复操作,为临床治疗分泌性中耳炎提供了一个良好途径。     

The effects of grommet insertion on Eustachian tube function

A prospective study on the effect of grommet insertion on the passive Eustachian tube opening pressure was undertaken in children's ears with otitis media with effusion. After an initial immediate improvement following aspiration of the middle ear no further change in Eustachian tube function occurred over 4 subsequent weeks. Grommet insertion probably has no effect on Eustachian tube function.     

Eustachian tube function in ears with cholesteatoma

Eustachian tube (ET) function was measured before and after surgery in patients with acquired cholesteatoma. The cholesteatoma group and a group of patients without cholesteatoma but with dry tympanic membrane perforations (TM-Perf) were compared in this respect. ET function was measured by the air pressure equalization technique; if necessary, a transmyringeal tube was inserted to establish direct communication between the external ear canal and the middle ear cleft. No difference in ET function was found before and after surgery in the cholesteatoma group. The ET testing results in the cholesteatoma group were inferior to those in the group with TM-Perf. These findings are discussed in relation to proper surgical procedure in ears with cholesteatoma.     

Does the silastic eustachian tube prosthesis improve eustachian tube function?

This clinical study attempts to evaluate the effectiveness of Eustachian tube function in 30 ears, 11–29 months after insertion of the Silastic® Eustachian tube prosthesis (SETP). Indications for the SETP were limited to persistent Eustachian tube dysfunction. Preoperatively, 13 patients had intact tympanic membranes with persistent serous otitis media. Seventeen patients underwent tympanoplasty and demonstrated persistent serous otitis media in the opposite ear. Postoperatively, aeration of the middle ear was evaluated by tympanometry, microscopic examination, and myringostomy. Microphotographs demonstrate the state of the middle ear. Histology of the middle ear mucosa was obtained in a few cases. Ninety-six percent of the ears with an SETP demonstrated confirmed persistent Eustachian tube dysfunction beginning an average of six months after insertion. Complications were common.     

Variability of Eustachian tube function in children with secretory otitis media. Evaluations at tube insertion and at follow-up

OBJECTIVE: Despite the variable clinical course of diseases related to Eustachian tube function, the variability of tubal function has been less focused than outcomes of single tests. This study aimed to compare the passive and active tubal function and its variability in children with secretory otitis media (SOM) at tube insertion and at follow-up. METHOD: Thirty-eight ears in 19 children aged 4-10 years (mean 7.0 years) with long-standing SOM were examined 4-6 h after tube insertion, at 4 months and at 9 months. The pressure in the middle ear and the nasopharynx were recorded while performing (1) forced opening test, (2) equalization of +100 and -100 daPa, (3) Valsalva test, and (4) sniff test. The procedure was repeated after 30 min. Relationships were analyzed by uni- and multi-variate analysis of variance. RESULTS: From tube insertion to 4 months, the mean forced opening pressure increased from 282+/-128 to 355+/-153 daPa (P<0.01), and the mean closing pressure from 91+/-51 to 126+/-82 daPa (P<0.01). There was no further change at 9 months. Female gender, serous effusion (in contrast to mucoid), and more than three previous episodes of acute otitis media were related to higher opening and closing pressures. At tube insertion, 60% and 16% equalized +100 and -100 daPa, respectively, and 28% succeeded in performing Valsalva inflation. The sniff test was positive in 32%, indicating a closing failure. These rates did not change significantly over time. For individual ears, outcomes of all tests varied considerably when retested after 30 min; P(o) changed by +/-12% and P(c) by +/-26%, and 9-29% of the ears changed from a positive to negative response, or vice versa, in the equalization, Valsalva, and sniff tests. CONCLUSIONS: The unexpected finding of weaker closing forces at the day of tube insertion and increased tubal resistance at follow-up might be ascribed to changes in the muco-adhesive forces related to the disease and tube treatment. The pronounced intra-individual variability of test outcomes indicates that tubal function is dynamic and variable in ears prone to SOM, which emphasizes that results of single tubal function tests have very low prognostic value.     

Eustachian tube patency and function in tympanoplasty with cartilage palisades or fascia after cholesteatoma surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the Eustachian tube patency and function after tympanoplasty with either cartilage palisades or fascia grafting after one-stage surgery in children with tensa cholesteatoma. STUDY DESIGN: In children operated for tensa cholesteatoma, cartilage palisade tympanoplasty was performed in 32 ears and fascia tympanoplasty in 29 ears. The patency of the Eustachian tube was evaluated by the Valsalva maneuver before the operation, 1 to 3 months after the operation, and at a follow-up examination 46(1/2) months later (median). Eustachian tube function was evaluated by the nine-step inflation/deflation tympanometric test and the Toynbee test at the follow-up examination. Otomicroscopy and hearing evaluation were performed before and after surgery as well as at the follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Eustachian tube patency and function. Hearing, postoperative eardrum perforation/retraction, and cholesteatoma recurrence. RESULTS: The Valsalva maneuver was positive in 30% of the ears before the operation, in 65% primarily after the operation, and in 78% at the follow-up examination. A poor tubal function was found in 57% at follow-up. Overall, the late functional hearing results were better in ears with a positive Valsalva maneuver. There were no differences in tubal patency or function in relation to graft material, cholesteatoma, and tympanoplasty type. In ears with a poor tubal function, the hearing results were significantly better in the palisade group (63% success), compared with the fascia group (17% success). All of the four perforations, most of the retractions, and a single moist eardrum were found in the fascia group at the reevaluation. We found no correlation between the condition of the eardrum and the Eustachian tube function at the last evaluation. However, in ears with a poor tubal function, a nonretracted, nonperforated drum was found with higher frequency in the palisade group. Decision matrix analysis showed that the last postoperative Valsalva maneuver was the best predictor of the drum condition at the reevaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The Eustachian tube patency frequently improves after tympanoplasty after cholesteatoma surgery in children, regardless of graft material. The patency and function of the Eustachian tube seem to be without relation to graft material, cholesteatoma, or tympanoplasty type. Cartilage palisade tympanoplasty may be a better reconstruction technique after cholesteatoma surgery, especially in ears with a poor tubal function.     

鼓膜置管对分泌性中耳炎患儿咽鼓管功能的影响

目的 分析分泌性中耳炎患儿实施鼓膜置管对咽鼓管功能的影响.方法 研究纳入2019年1月～2019年6个月收治26例分泌性中耳炎患儿,所有患儿接受鼓膜置管术,统计术前、术后3个月、术后半年、随访1年患儿咽鼓管功能.结果 本组26例患儿左耳道经治疗后,在不同压力下咽鼓管测压显示,术后3个月、6个月、1年,患儿测试结果与术前...     

儿童鼓膜通气管留置时间与并发症关系

目的：研究儿童鼓膜通气管留置时间与并发症的关系。方法：364例（714耳）分泌性中耳炎（OME）患儿鼓膜置管后1～36个月取管,总结不同时间段取管并发症出现比例,并进行统计分析。结果：通气管留置1～6个月29例（55耳）,其中脱管1例（3．4％）,堵管3例（10．3％）,置管陷入鼓室0例,肉芽增生0例,胆脂瘤0例,耳漏2例（6．9％）,鼓膜穿孔0例;6～12个月96例（190耳）,其中脱管7例（7．3％）,堵管15例（15．6％）,置管陷入鼓室1例（1．0％）,肉芽增生0例,胆脂瘤0例,耳漏5例（5．2％）,鼓膜穿孔0例;留置12～24个月156例（308耳）,其中脱管14例（9．0％）,堵管20例（12．8％）,置管陷入鼓室2例（1．3％）,肉芽增生3例（1．9％）,胆脂瘤1例（0．6％）,耳漏4例（2．5％）,鼓膜穿孔0例;留置24～36个月83例（161耳）,其中脱管30例（36．1％）,堵管44例（53．0％）,置管陷入鼓室5例（6．0％）,肉芽增生3例（3．6％）,胆脂瘤2例（2．4％）,耳漏2例（2．4％）,鼓膜穿孔2例（2．4％）。全部病例未发现鼓室硬化者。结论：2年以内鼓膜通气管留置时间与并发症关系不大;2年以上脱管和堵管发生率显著增高,其他并发症发生率无显著增高。     

Eustachian tube function varies over time in children with secretory otitis media

Impaired opening and closing functions of the Eustachian tube are considered to be pathogenic factors in secretory otitis media (SOM). As the clinical course of SOM is variable, the variability of tubal function is of interest. We aimed to explore the short- and long-term variability of tubal opening and closing functions in SOM. The study comprised 42 ears in 21 children (13 males and 8 females) with tympanostomy tubes due to SOM. The middle ear pressure was recorded during repeated passive forced openings, equalization of + 100 daPa and - 100 daPa by swallowing, Valsalva inflation and forceful sniffing. Test sessions were performed twice (separated by 30 min) on each of 2 days, with a mean interval of 3.7 months in between. In the forced opening test there was a considerable intra-individual variability over time. Expressed as SD of the mean, the variability of the forced opening and closing pressures in individual ears was on average 15% and 23%, respectively, between sessions and 20% and 30% respectively, between test days. In the equalization, Valsalva and sniff tests the rates of responses that changed from positive to negative between sessions and test days ranged from 12% to 33%. Female gender and retraction pockets were related to poorer opening function in the forced opening test. Ears with serous effusion (in contrast to mucoid) showed a similar trend and also a lower occurrence of positive equalization, Valsalva and sniff tests. It was concluded that Eustachian tube opening and closing functions are highly variable in ears with SOM. Consequently, single tubal function tests have low value when used as a prognostic tool in individual ears.     

Long-term middle ear ventilation.

This is a 16 year experience report on the author's wide flange ventilation tube, used for permanent or severe chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction. Two hundred and twenty-eight implants in 198 ears of 126 patients were adequately followed. A small series of 13 Paparella implants is included. Patient age ranges from 6 months to 72 years. Tube longevity up to elective removal averaged 51.2 months (longest — 159 months). Average longevity for tubes removed for uncontrolled complications was 34.6 months (longest — 162 months). Comparable figures for the Paparella tube are 15 and 31 months. There were 249 complications in 228 Per-Lee tube implants and 12 in 9 Paparella tube implants; 69.6% of Per-Lee tubes and 100% of Paparella tubes were associated with complication. Per-Lee tube complications occurred from 1 to 162 months after implantation. The most common was infection (68.6% of all complications). The others included bleeding (10.9%), peritubal drum atrophy (11.7%), extrusion (4.8%), tissue growth into the tube (0.8%), tube migration into the middle ear (1.2%), squamous epithelial invasion (1.2%), and obstruction for other causes (0.8%); 75 infections and 8 bleeding episodes required tube removal. The drum did not heal in 14 and 2 cases respectively. Peritubal drum atrophy, an important complication, occurred 29 times and led to 14 unhealed perforations; 12 tubes (5%) extruded leaving 4 drums unhealed. Squamous epithelium invaded the middle ear three times; in one instance it was due to the tube. A total of 49 permanent perforations (24.8% of 198 ears) occurred including those remaining after elective tube removal. This compares with a 2% or less incidence with a grommet and other standard tubes. Since long-term ventilation is sought, this outcome is less serious than one suspects. Follow-up hearing data was available for 7 unhealed and 32 healed drums. For unhealed drums (mostly anterior perforations) the average SRT was 7.1 db. The average SRT for healed drums was 11 1b. Other approaches to long-term ventilation are discussed, specifically Wright's Eustachian tube prosthesis and laser myringotomy. Both approaches seem unreliable. If permanent ventilation is desired, a permanent perforation resulting from a long-term ventilation tube would seem to be an acceptable result.     

Avoidance of postoperative blockage of ventilation tubes

While most of the complications of ventilation tubes are widely described in the literature, little is mentioned about postoperative blockage of these tubes. Generally, this blockage is caused by viscid secretion or a blood clot. This study was conducted to assess the effect of using a vasoconstrictor solution to cover the tympanic membrane after ventilation tube insertion to ensure hemostasis in the immediate postoperative period and to decongest the mucosa of the middle ear and the eustachian tube. Xylometazoline hydrochloride (Otrivin^r? Nasal Drops 0.1% or Pediatric Nasal Drops 0.05%) was introduced into 60 ears in 32 patients undergoing myringotomy and ventilation tube insertion. The control group, consisting of 76 ears in 40 patients, underwent only myringotomy and ventilation tube insertion. In a follow-up period of 3 months, postoperative tube obstruction occurred 10.5% of the patients in the control group. No case of blocked tube occurred in the patients who received xylometazoline.     

Certain effects of adenoidectomy on eustachian tube ventilatory function.

In an effort to develop a simple and accurate method to identify children in whom adenoidectomy might prevent otitis media, the ventilatory function of the Eustachian tube was assessed by a manometric technique. Nasal pressures during swallowing were also determined in some. The study group consisted of 23 children with otitis media in whom tympanostomy tubes had been inserted. All were judged clinically and roentgenographically to have prominent adenoids. Inflation-deflation Eustachian tube ventilation studies were obtained in 36 ears that remained intubated, aerated and dry both before and eight weeks after adenoidectomy. Fifteen of the 36 (42 percent) ears had improvement in Eustachian tube ventilatory function postadenoidectomy which was attributed to relief of extrinsic mechanical obstruction of the tube. In the remaining 21 (58 percent) ears in which Eustachian tube function was not improved, mechanical obstruction was not apparent preoperatively. The effect of nasopharyngeal pressures on a pliant Eustachian tube (Toynbee phenomenon) due to obstruction of the posterior nasal choanae by the adenoid mass was suggested as a possible cause of functional Eustachian tube obstruction. In several instances in which preadenoidectomy mechanical obstruction of the Eustachian tube was not demonstrated, the tube appeared to have been made more pliant by the operation. This increase in compliance of the Eustachian tube was attributed to loss of adenoid support of the tube in the fossa of Rosenmuller. From this study, preliminary recommendations for selection of patients for adenoidectomy are the following: 1. Eustachian tube ventilation function tests in a dry, intubated middle ear; 2. if extrinsic mechanical obstruction of the Eustachian tube is present and chronic inflammation is absent, adenoidectomy will probably improve Eustachian tube function. The surgical technique should include adequate removal of the adenoid tissue in the fossa of Rosenmuller; 3. if the Eustachian tube does not appear to be mechanically obstructed, the adenoids should not be removed unless functional obstruction is suspected due to obstruction of the posterior nasal choanae. Adenoid tissue within the fossa of Rosenmuller should not be removed when such circumstances exist; and 4. in the absence of obstructive adenoids to the nasal choanae or Eustachian tube, adenoidectomy probably will not improve Eustachian tube function and could make it worse. A more rational and effective approach to adenoidectomy for the prevention of otitis media in children may be possible through this type of preoperative evaluation.     

Ear discharge after insertion of transmyringeal tubes

The peroperative bacteriology and cytology of the middle ear have been studied in 103 ears in 65 children operated on due to longstanding secretory otitis media. Within one month postoperatively, 12 ears (12%) showed signs of infection with discharge from the tube. Ten out of these 12 ears showed peroperative growth of Hemophilus influenzae, Branhamella catharralis, pneumococci or staphylococci in the middle ear effusions, a significant difference compared to ears without postoperative discharge. The peroperative cytological evaluation of the middle ear effusions from 10 out of the 12 patients with postoperative ear discharge showed presence of phagocytes as a sign of infection. It is concluded that pre-existing bacteria in the middle ear effusion of patients with longstanding secretory otitis media might increase the risk of postoperative infection within the first month after insertion of transmyringeal tubes.     

Abnormal middle ear pressures during experimental influenza A virus infection--role of Eustachian tube function

Introduction: Experimental infection of adults with influenza A virus, rhinovirus or RSV causes abnormal ME pressure in some, but not all subjects. The hypothesis tested in this study is that the response variability is caused by constitutional differences in the functioning of the Eustachian tube. Methods: 18 adult subjects were experimentally infected with influenza A virus. On five occasions before virus exposure, middle ear pressure (by tympanometry) and Eustachian tube function (by sonotubometry) were recorded bilaterally. Tests were repeated on days 1 through 8 and 10 after infection. Individual ears were classified with respect to the number of pre-exposure, positive sonotubometric testings and the middle ear pressure response to infection was compared between ears with Eustachian tube openings at all pre-infection test sessions (GR-A) and those with at least one negative test (GR-B). Results: Pre-exposure, 19, six, four, four, one and two ears had tubal openings on five, four, three, two, one and zero sessions, respectively. For that period, GR-A had significantly lesser average intra-ear and intra-group middle ear pressure variances compared to GR-B, but there were no between-group differences in the average middle ear pressure or in the number of observations of abnormal middle ear pressure. After virus exposure, middle ear pressure variances and the number of abnormal observations increased and the average pressure decreased in both groups, but the effects were more pronounced for GR-B ears. Conclusions: These results support the hypothesis that pre-existing good Eustachian tube function reduces the otological complications of viral upper respiratory tract infection.     

局麻下咽鼓管球囊扩张术加鼓膜置管术治疗顽固性分泌性中耳炎

目的：探讨局麻下咽鼓管球囊扩张术加鼓膜置管术治疗顽固性分泌性中耳炎的临床疗效。方法收集顽固性分泌性中耳炎患者20例（24耳）,于门诊局麻下,结合鼻内镜经鼻腔径路行咽鼓管咽口球囊扩张,并行鼓膜置管。所有患者均于术后3个月拔出T型管。结果术后随访6个月,18例患者耳闷塞感、听物朦胧感症状明显减轻,未再出现鼓室内积液。2例术后仍有耳内闷胀及听力下降,耳内镜检查示鼓室积液未吸收,再次置入T型通气管后症状改善。结论局麻下行咽鼓管球囊扩张术加鼓膜置管术治疗顽固性分泌性中耳炎疗效显著,对于改善咽鼓管功能方法安全可行,并发症极小,是一种微创的新方法。     

Aspiration of middle ear effusions prior to grommet insertion an etiological factor in tympanosclerosis

Fifty-five children with bilateral middle ear effusions were entered into a prospective randomized double blind trial to determine whether aspiration of middle ear effusions prior to ventilation tube insertion influences ventilation tube extrusion time or the development of tympanosclerosis. Following myringotomy, aspiration of the left or right ear only was performed randomly prior to ventilation tube insertion. The tympanic membranes were inspected six-monthly to determine whether ventilation tube extrusion had occurred, and at 24 months after surgery for the presence of tympanosclerosis. Results showed no significant difference in extrusion time between aspirated and non-aspirated ears. Aspiration was found to be a factor in the development of tympanosclerosis. We conclude that routine aspiration of the middle ear effusion prior to ventilation tube insertion is associated with an increased risk of tympanosclerosis.     

Eustachian tube closing failure in children with persistent middle ear effusion

One important role of the Eustachian tube is to protect the middle ear from the extensive physiological pressure variations that take place in the nasopharynx, for example on sniffing. In a previous investigation in 50 children with persistent middle ear effusion a surprisingly high percentage of ears were evacuated by sniffing. The present study was undertaken in a second series of children, and results were found to be reproducible. In total 156 ears in 100 children have been investigated. In 63% of ears (73% of subjects) evacuation of the middle ear took place on sniffing. Results show that Eustachian tube malfunction in these subjects is characterized by a reduced protective function; a condition denoted "Eustachian tube closing failure".