Thermal myringotomy (an alternative to grommet insertion in childhood secretory otitis media?)

Thirty-six children with bilateral secretory otitis media were treated by thermal myringotomy and middle ear aspiration in one ear, and conventional myringotomy, middle ear aspiration and Shepard grommet insertion in the other ear. All children underwent adenoidectomy. Comparing the effectiveness of the two different procedures over a three-month review period, our main findings are as follows. All thermal perforations were closed by 42 days. Elimination of middle ear fluid was achieved in 81 per cent of the thermal myringotomy group, and in 100 per cent of the grommet group. While there was no significant difference in the hearing improvement between the procedures, conventional myringotomy and grommet insertion provided significantly better sustained middle ear ventilation.     

Indications for the use of ventilating tubes for secretory otitis media

Seventy-seven children (147 ears) with secretory otitis media (S.O.M.) were surgically treated by myringotomy with aspiration, insertion of ventilating tubes, and adenoidectomy, if indicated. The results of treatment for S.O.M. were analyzed according to the degree of mastoid pneumatization and complications with or without ipsilateral sinusitis.The present study was performed in order to establish indications for the use of ventilating tubes.The results of treatment for S.O.M. in poorly developed mastoids were poor. With an ipsilateral sinusitis the prognosis of S.O.M. was also poor.In some cases of S.O.M., particularly those in well-developed mastoids, either adenoidectomy alone or myringotomy with aspiration alone proved effective for recovery from middle ear effusions.Ventilating tubes are most suitable for the following conditions: (1) in cases of sclerotic or poorly developed mastoids; (2) in cases with ipsilateral sinusitis; and (3) in cases with recurrent effusions after a first myringotomy with aspiration.     

Grommets and cholesteatoma in children

Cholesteatoma in children may be a sequel to chronic exudative otitis media with tympanic membrane retraction but the role of grommets in the possible facilitation of squamous epithelial invasion into the middle ear is not yet clear. A retrospective study was made of the history and prior treatment in 25 children who underwent mastoidectomy for cholesteatoma at St. Mary's Hospital between 1975 and 1986. Thirteen patients had undergone previous middle ear aeration procedures which included myringotomy, cortical mastoidectomy and grommets. There was no difference in the site or severity of cholesteatoma in the operated and non-operated cases. Of the seven patients with a history of multiple grommets three had primarily attic, and three had primarily mesotympanic disease. The latter had greater ossicular erosion. One patient with an intact tympanic membrane had grommet insertion subsequently developed a cholesteatoma. While cholesteatoma due directly to the presence of grommets is rare, it appears that children who require multiple grommet insertions constitute a high risk group and should be very closely monitored.     

Is aspiration of middle ear effusions prior to ventilation tube insertion really necessary?

A prospective double blind randomized trial of 55 children undergoing myringotomy and insertion of ventilation tubes for bilateral middle ear effusions was undertaken. The aim of the study was to assess the need for clearance of the middle ear by aspiration prior to the insertion of ventilation tubes. The day before surgery the children were assessed by clinical examination, pure tone audiometry and impedance audiometry. At the time of surgery each child underwent bilateral myringotomy, with aspiration of the right or left ear only on a randomly allocated basis. Standard ventilation tubes were then inserted. Postoperative evaluation up to three months following surgery showed no significant differences between the aspirated and the non-aspirated middle ears. We conclude that routine evacuation of the middle ear prior to ventilation tube insertion is not necessary.     

Glue ear surgery in Scottish children 1990–1994: still plenty of ENT and Public Health challenges!

This paper examines recent trends in glue ear surgery in Scottish children between 1990 and 1994, using routine National Health Service (NHS) data from all 15 Scottish Health Boards (total population 5 132 400 in 1994, with 1 038 296 aged 0–15). Absolute numbers, rates of glue ear operations, and variation in rates declined between 1990 and 1994 across all Health Boards. The proportion of glue ear operations which included grommet insertion increased. Grommet rates in children declined in those Boards with the highest rates, but increased in Boards with the lowest rates, thereby decreasing the variation in grommet rates across Scottish Health Boards from 3.8- in 1990 to 2.6-fold in 1994. Other operations for glue ear, particularly ‘myringotomy and adenoidectomy’, varied 20-fold between Health Boards. The proportion of operations performed as day cases increased, but day cases and repeat grommet insertions still showed two-fold variation across Scotland in 1994. Many aspects of surgical management still show variation, and merit further examination by ENT surgeons and Public Health physicians.     

Hearing loss due to mannosidosis and otitis media with effusion. A case report and review of audiological assessments in children with otitis media with effusion

A case of a child with mannosidosis and bilateral otitis media with effusion (OME) is reported here along with some discussion of relevant literature to emphasize the need for age appropriate audiometric assessment before and after insertion of grommets for glue ear (OME). There is a need for multidisciplinary teamwork in the management of children with hearing loss. If OME is treated surgically, age-appropriate hearing assessment is required before and after insertion of grommets. The need for audiological assessments will be relevant even if children had passed the newborn hearing screening test.     

Glue under pressure: a bad prognostic sign for recurrence of otitis media with effusion.

One hundred and thirteen children with bilateral otitis media with effusion (OME) underwent myringotomy and insertion of Shah grommets. They were classified into three groups according to the presence or absence of 'glue under pressure' unilaterally or bilaterally. The follow up period ranging between 18 and 32 months determined the comparative rate of recurrence of OME and the number of grommet reinsertions. This study shows a significantly higher incidence of recurrent OME, requiring grommet reinsertion, in ears with glue under pressure (60 per cent) compared to those with glue not under pressure (7.4 per cent). Thus it was possible to identify a subset of children with OME who have a poorer prognosis for recurrence and who should be treated with long-stay grommets in the first instance.     

A 15 year follow-up of a controlled trial of the use of grommets in glue ear

The long-term natural history of secretory otitis media and the changes induced in the middle ear following grommet insertion are of importance. We report the results 15 years following the unilateral insertion of a Shepard grommet and adenoidectomy for bilateral secretory otitis media. The results suggest that grommets do not protect against attic disease of late onset and induce atrophic scars which do not resolve. Grommets confer no long-term advantages to the hearing when used in the management of childhood secretory otitis media.     

Treatment of chronic otitis media with effusion: results of tympanostomy tubes

Insertion of tympanostomy tubes to provide prolonged aeration and drainage of the tympanum in cases of chronic secretory otitis media has become the most commonly performed operation in children. To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of current treatments of chronic secretory otitis media, the authors undertook a randomized clinical trial with four treatment arms: myringotomy alone, tympanostomy tubes, adenoidectomy and myringotomy, and the combination of adenoidectomy and tympanostomy tubes. This report describes the preliminary (one-year) outcome in the group of children who were treated with tympanostomy tubes. The observed average differences between the myringotomy and tympanostomy tube groups were small, with the exception of one variable (time to first recurrence). Although the clinical importance of these differences remains to be established, the authors believe they are substantial enough to justify continued use of tympanostomy tubes in the primary surgical therapy of chronic secretory otitis media, when medical therapy and observation indicate the need for drainage to improve hearing or correct anatomic deformities of the tympanum.     

Influence of minor ear surgery on infrared tympanic thermometry

BACKGROUND: Infrared tympanic thermometry (ITT) is often used for postoperative recovery room monitoring regardless of recent minor otologic surgery. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of ITT in pediatric patients who have undergone bilateral myringotomy with insertion of pressure-equalizing tubes. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary care academic medical center. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients of a staff pediatric otolaryngologist (M.A.R.): (1) ear surgery group, children aged 10 years or younger undergoing bilateral myringotomy with insertion of pressure-equalizing tubes and (2) non-ear surgery group, children aged 10 years or younger undergoing bilateral tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy. INTERVENTIONS: Immediate preprocedure temperature measurements included right and left ear ITT. Immediate postprocedure temperature measurements included right and left ear ITT and thermistor probe rectal temperature. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The average difference between the preprocedure and postprocedure tympanic temperature in the ear surgery group was compared with that in the non-ear surgery group. The average difference between postprocedure rectal and ear temperature in the ear surgery group was compared with that in the non-ear surgery group. RESULTS: There were 20 patients (40 ears) in the ear surgery group and 20 patients (40 ears) in the non-ear surgery group. In the ear surgery group, the average difference between the preprocedure and postprocedure tympanic temperature (0.55 degrees C) was not significantly different from that (0.62 degrees C) in the non-ear surgery group (P =.66, 1-way analysis of variance). In the ear surgery group, the average difference between postprocedural rectal and ear temperature (1.94 degrees C) was not significantly different from that (1.89 degrees C) in the non-ear surgery group (P =.76, 1-way analysis of variance). CONCLUSION: Recent minor ear surgery (bilateral myringotomy with insertion of pressure-equalizing tubes) does not have a significant effect on ITT measurements in pediatric patients.     

Grommets versus paracentesis in secretory otitis media. A prospective, controlled study

One hundred and ninety-three consecutive children with bilateral secretory otitis media were treated by adenoidectomy, bilateral paracentesis, and evacuation of middle ear effusion, but with insertion of a grommet in the right ear only. At follow-up one to three years later, the audiometric and tympanometric results were similar in right and left ears. The primary advantage of grommet insertion was normalization of the hearing ability for as long as the grommet was functioning. Thus, only 1% of the ears with grommets had hearing losses exceeding 30 dB HL, whereas this occurred in about 20% of ears without grommets. The adverse effects of grommet insertion included periodic aural discharge during the functioning period of the grommet in 14% and tympanosclerosis of the drum in 48%. In the group of ears treated with paracentesis only, tympanosclerosis occurred in 10%. However, reinsertion of grommets was indicated in 10% of right ears, and 23% of left ears required grommets as well. Of the various pre- and perioperative factors analyzed, only a granulating mucous membrane and copious middle ear effusion could be correlated to frequent and protracted episodes of secretory otitis that required repeated treatment. The implications of these findings are discussed.     

96例儿童分泌性中耳炎的手术治疗

目的探讨经保守治疗无效的儿童分泌性中耳炎患者外科手术干预的方式和效果。方法对96例(118耳)儿童分泌性中耳炎患者在内镜下行腺样体切除加鼓室置管术,部分合并扁桃体肥大的患儿行扁桃体切除术,术后随访半年以上并评价其治疗效果。结果 96例患儿中行鼓室置管术35例,腺样体切除加鼓室置管术49例,腺样体切除加扁桃体切除加鼓室置管术12例;术前平均听阈为(42±5)dB,术后1周为(34±4)dB,与术前比较具有统计学差异(t=12.12,P<0.05);术后1个月为(22±2)dB,与术前比较具有统计学差异(t=15.27,P<0.01);术后听力明显改善,鼻塞、夜间张口呼吸和打鼾症状明显缓解。结论对患有分泌性中耳炎的儿童进行个体化的手术治疗,腺样体切除加鼓室置管术是经保守治疗无效的儿童分泌性中耳炎的基本术式。     

Role of revision adenoidectomy in paediatric otolaryngological practice

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the need for revision adenoidectomy following the standard technique of blind curettage with digital palpation. METHODS: Within a district general hospital, we undertook a retrospective study of 3231 children who underwent adenoidectomy between 1996 and 2003, 53 of whom required revision adenoidectomy. The main outcome measure was the number of children needing revision adenoidectomy. RESULTS: A total of 53 children required a repeated operation for recurrence of symptoms (1.6 per cent); of these, 42 were for treatment of glue ear, five were for nasal symptoms and six were for adenoidal infection. CONCLUSION: Adenoidectomy performed without vision may be one of the reasons for recurrence of symptoms. Residual adenoids are acknowledged in the literature as one of the complications of the traditional technique. We highlight the fact that the need for revision adenoidectomy is not uncommon and suggest that we should improve our surgical technique in the UK by visualization of the postnasal space either by a mirror or an endoscope.     

Thermal myringotomy versus grommets in the management of secretory otitis media

This paper presents the findings of a study of thermal myringotomy compared with the insertion of a grommet, in 30 children with secretory otitis media. The procedure was found to be easy to perform and free from complications. It provided ventilation of the middle ear for up to 8 weeks. However, there was a recurrence of the middle ear effusion in 40% of the thermal myringotomy ears. On the other hand, grommets were very effective in eliminating effusion over a 6 month period. I was unable to identify any parameter that will predict which patients will remain free of effusion after ventilation with a thermal myringotomy.     

The role of laser assisted tympanostomy (LAT) in treating allergic children with chronic serous otitis media

OBJECTIVES: To assess various prognostic factors influencing the outcome in paediatric patients with serous otitis media, who have undergone laser assisted tympanostomy without ventilation tube placement. Emphasis is given to children with allergies who underwent the procedure. METHOD: Laser assisted tympanostomy was performed on a total of 130 ears (92 individuals) with chronic otitis media with effusion. To determine the quality of patient outcome, the following parameters were evaluated: external auditory canal anatomy, type of anaesthesia used, tympanic membrane and middle ear fluid characteristics, myringotomy size, a history of allergies and the laser device parameters. RESULTS: Multivariable statistical analysis demonstrated that the presence of allergies in children with chronic serous otitis media is significantly correlated with a poor outcome (P < 0.0047). Moreover, the presence of a thick tympanic membrane and/or high viscosity (glue) fluid in the middle ear cavity can also independently influence patient outcome (P < 0.025). Simultaneous adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy, type of anaesthesia (general versus local), external canal anatomy (wide or narrow) and sex, were not statistically important prognostic factors. The type of anaesthesia used, myringotomy size and the laser device parameters were not found to be associated with patient outcome. CONCLUSION: A history of allergies, the presence of a thick tympanic membrane and/or high viscosity fluid in the middle ear cavity are all contraindications for laser assisted tympanostomy without tympanostomy tubes, in children who suffer from chronic serous otitis media. The selection criteria for this procedure in the paediatric population are addressed in detail.     

Adenoidectomy With Laser or Incisional Myringotomy for Otitis Media With Effusion

Objective To compare the effectiveness of CO₂ laser myringotomy to incisional myringotomy at the time of adenoidectomy for refractory otitis media with effusion (OME). Study Design Controlled retrospective consecutive case series. Methods All children undergoing myringotomy and adenoidectomy for OME in the spring of 1999 had 1.7‐mm‐diameter perforations created in their tympanic membranes using a CO₂ laser and conventional microslad. Their ears were evaluated at first postoperative visit (mean, 16.65 days after surgery) by a validated otoscopist to determine the presence or absence of perforations and middle ear effusions. These patients were compared with historical controls comprising all children undergoing incisional myringotomy and adenoidectomy in 1998. A χ² analysis was performed to compare the results of these two myringotomy techniques. Results Twenty‐three children (39 ears) underwent laser myringotomy and adenoidectomy in 1999, compared with 26 children (48 ears) who underwent incisional myringotomy and adenoidectomy in 1998. In the laser myringotomy group, 8 of the 39 ears had a persistent opening at first follow‐up; 4 of the 39 ears showed evidence of effusion. In the incisional myringotomy group, all 48 ears had healed; 7 of these ears showed evidence of effusion. Conclusion Myringotomies created using the CO₂ laser are more likely to be patent at first postoperative visit than those made with incisional technique (P < .01). However, this prolonged middle ear ventilation does not significantly decrease the prevalence of effusion (P > .1).     

Grommet insertion: some basic questions answered

A very large number of grommets are inserted to improve middle ear ventilation in children. A retrospective survey of 1011 admissions for myringotomy and/or grommet insertion has been used to answer some basic questions about such admissions and the fate of grommets inserted. No attempt has been made to assess the benefits of this mode of treatment. The average number of admissions per child was 1.6, with 64% being admitted only once. A child aged 3-4 years when first listed had the greatest chance of repeated admissions. Nearly 50% of the grommets had been extruded within 6 months and 80% within 1 year. Children put on the waiting list because of middle ear effusions present in summer months had a greater chance of spontaneous resolution in the subsequent few months than those listed in winter months. Significant complications occurred in 2.2% of grommet insertions.     

Goode T-tubes: do the benefits of their use outweigh their complications?

In this retrospective study of 130 ears over a 5-year period, the effect of intubation with the Goode T-tube was evaluated. The tubes improved the hearing in 86% of ears with a conductive loss secondary to a middle ear effusion to an average 5 dB airbone gap. They improved the early stage retracted tympanic membrane but had no effect on the established postero-superior retraction pocket. They were successful in treating barotrauma. The main complication with their use was otorrhoea which occurred in 28% of ears, and persistent perforation occurring in 6% of the ears. Seventy-seven per cent of tubes were in place after 36 months. Extrusion was significantly related to infection in the ear, and also to the presence of glue on insertion but there was no correlation between the number of previous grommets or the age of the patient. The Goode T-tube is advocated for use in middle ear effusion refractory to conventional grommet insertion or that due to cleft palate.     

The role of ventilation tube status in the hearing levels in children managed for bilateral persistent otitis media with effusion

The study determined the effects on hearing of the status of ventilation tubes, using a combination of otoscopy and tympanometry to determine function, in children managed for bilateral persistent otitis media with effusion (OME). The subjects were aged between 3.5 and 7 years and had a documented history of bilateral OME over a 12-week watchful waiting period associated with a hearing impairment in both ears of >or= 20 dB HL. The children reported are those randomized to the two surgical arms, both of which had bilateral myringotomy, aspiration of middle ear fluid and insertion of Shepard ventilation tubes. One arm furthermore received adenoidectomy. The data were analysed 'as treated' to document therapeutic progress. Tubes confirmed to be functioning on otoscopy and tympanometry only partially alleviate the conductive impairment associated with childhood OME (AC mean 12 dB HL, SD 4; ABG 13 dB, SD 7, 3 months post operation). Thus, children with a functioning ventilation tube cannot be considered to have 'normal' hearing. Once the tube has extruded, ears that no longer have OME still have a small conductive hearing impairment (at 12 months AC 14 dB HL, SD 6; ABG 16 dB, SD 9) but this improves with time. In children with bilateral tubes, both remain functioning for a median duration of 21 weeks (IQR 10-40) and at least one for a median of 40 weeks (IQR 24-61). Tube blockage significantly (P = 0.001) increases the risk of extrusion (84% versus 44%). When inserted in children between 3.5 and 7 years for OME, the otoscopic incidence of tube infection is low (1%).     

Comparison between myringotomy and tympanostomy tubes in combination with adenoidectomy in 3-7-year-old children with otitis media with effusion

The specific aim of this study was to compare, by means of a randomized clinical trial, the efficacy between the two surgical combinations - adenoidectomy with myringotomy and tympanostomy (A + T) and adenoidectomy with myringotomy (A + M) - in reducing middle ear disease in children with otitis media with effusion (OME). Seventy-eight 3-7-year-old patients (156 ears) with a history of bilateral middle ear effusion for at least 3 months were randomly assigned to either A + T or A + M. Hearing threshold levels, recurrence rate of the effusion and episodes of acute otitis media (AOM) and otorrhea were evaluated for a follow-up period of 1 year. Audiometry testing showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the hearing loss levels of both groups during the whole follow-up period. Free of AOM episodes were 72% of the patients in the A + T group and 75% of those in the A + M group. None of the patients with A + M had episodes with otorrhea which contrasted with the 40% occurrence rate in the A + T group. During the follow-up period we documented a 10% recurrence rate of OME in the A + T group and 14% recurrence rate in the A + M group. Overall our data suggests that the insertion of tympanostomy tubes in association with adenoidectomy provides no additional benefit to adenoidectomy in association with myringotomy alone in terms of hearing loss or AOM episode occurrences in patients with bilateral otitis media with effusion. Furthermore no relationship was found between the choice of operative intervention and the recurrence rate of OME despite the slightly greater relative risk in the A + M group.