Trans-tympanic silicone plug insertion for chronic patulous Eustachian tube

Conclusion. Trans-tympanic insertion of a new silicone plug seems to be useful for controlling the distressing symptoms of patients with a chronic patulous Eustachian tube (PET). Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of a new silicone plug for blocking the isthmus of a PET in patients whose symptoms were resistant to other therapies for?>?6 months. Material and methods. The silicone plug (total length 23–25 mm; tip diameter 1.0–2.0 mm) was inserted in 44 ears of 37 patients with chronic PET. It was inserted through the tympanic orifice of the ET to obstruct the isthmus of the tube via an incision in the anterosuperior portion of the tympanic membrane. Results. Insertion of the plug was possible in all except two ears, in which it failed because of a narrow tympanic orifice of the ET. In 11 ears of 10 patients, the plug was replaced by a larger one using the same approach to improve efficacy. Of the 42 ears in which the silicone plug was successfully inserted, 30 (71.4%) achieved relief from symptoms of PET without additional treatment. In?>?60% of these cases, the symptoms of PET were well controlled with an aerated middle ear. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 68 months (mean 38.9 months).     

Trans-tympanic silicone plug insertion for chronic patulous Eustachian tube

CONCLUSION: Trans-tympanic insertion of a new silicone plug seems to be useful for controlling the distressing symptoms of patients with a chronic patulous Eustachian tube (PET). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a new silicone plug for blocking the isthmus of a PET in patients whose symptoms were resistant to other therapies for > 6 months. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The silicone plug (total length 23-25 mm; tip diameter 1.0-2.0 mm) was inserted in 44 ears of 37 patients with chronic PET. It was inserted through the tympanic orifice of the ET to obstruct the isthmus of the tube via an incision in the anterosuperior portion of the tympanic membrane. RESULTS: Insertion of the plug was possible in all except two ears, in which it failed because of a narrow tympanic orifice of the ET. In 11 ears of 10 patients, the plug was replaced by a larger one using the same approach to improve efficacy. Of the 42 ears in which the silicone plug was successfully inserted, 30 (71.4%) achieved relief from symptoms of PET without additional treatment. In > 60% of these cases, the symptoms of PET were well controlled with an aerated middle ear. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 68 months (mean 38.9 months).     

Plug size selection protocol for the treatment of intractable patulous Eustachian tube with Kobayashi Plug

Abstract

Background: There have been no useful criteria for initial plug size selection protocol for the treatment of intractable patulous Eustachian tube (PET).

Aims/objectives: To establish a method for appropriate plug size selection using tubal function test and subjective symptom severity in PET patients who were treated by Kobayashi Plug insertion.

Material and methods: A retrospective survey of medical records identified 39 ears of 35 patients with PET who received insertion of the Kobayashi Plug and whose PET symptoms were thereafter controlled for at least 6 months after surgery.

Method: The evaluation scale of PET handicap inventory-10 (PHI-10) was used to indicate PET subjective symptom severity. Tubal function tests (sonotubometry and tubo-tympano-aerodynamic-graphy: TTAG) were performed.

Results: There was no correlation between the preoperative PHI 10 score and plug size (p?=?.157). There was a significant correlation between the preoperative sound attenuation from nostril to EAC measured by sonotubometry and plug size (p?<?.001). There was no correlation between the preoperative pressure transmission ratio estimated by TTAG and plug size (p?=?.271).

Conclusions and Significance: Sonotubometry which evaluates sound attenuation from nostril to EAC can be a useful tool for selecting plug size.     

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.     

Patulous eustachian tube after balloon eustachian tuboplasty in a post-radiation patient

BackgroundBalloon eustachian tuboplasty (BET) is a minimally invasive surgical treatment that is effective and safe for obstructive eustachian tube dysfunction. However, BET complications include excessive widening of the eustachian tube, causing a patulous eustachian tube (PET). Herein, we report a case of PET following BET in a patient who underwent radiation therapy and reviewed the literature on considerations for reducing complications after BET.Case presentationA 63-year-old woman complained of bilateral ear fullness after concurrent chemoradiation therapy for nasopharyngeal lymphoma. BET was performed on the left side because the left-sided serous otitis media persisted. A left-sided PET was performed two weeks after the BET, along with eustachian tube silicone plug insertion on the left side. The patient became asymptomatic immediately after the surgery, with no recurrence reported after a 12-month follow-up period.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, there has been no report of PET following BET in a post-radiation patient, and it was successfully treated via ET silicone plug insertion.     

Effectiveness of Kobayashi plug for 252 ears with chronic patulous Eustachian tube

Conclusions: Trans-tympanic plugging of the Eustachian tube (ET) with the silicone plug (Kobayashi Plug) induced long-term effectiveness for over 80% of chronic and severe patulous ET (PET) patients. The New Kobayashi Plug was more effective with fewer complication of plug descent to the pharyngeal orifice.

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness and complications of trans-tympanic plugging of the ET using a Kobayashi Plug for chronic PET.

Method: Trans-tympanic plugging of the ET using the Kobayashi Plug was performed for 252 ears of 191 patients. The Prototype Plug (115 ears of 82 patients in 2001–2007) and the New Plug (137 ears of 109 patients in 2008–2013) were inserted for chronic PET patients.

Results: The success rate of the Kobayashi Plug for PET was 83.0% of a total (Prototype Plug 80.0%, New Plug 85.4%). In 26 ears, the Prototype Plugs were found to have descended toward the nasopharynx. Conversely, this did not happen with the New Plug. The rate of TM perforation (Prototype 22.6%, New 17.5%), middle ear effusion (Prototype 20.2%, New 10.2%) and ventilation tube placement (Prototype 14.8%, New 4.4%) decreased after transition to the New Plug.     

Surgical treatments for a case of superior canal dehiscence syndrome associated with patulous Eustachian tube

ObjectivesThe patulous Eustachian tube (PET) and superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS) have similarity in their symptoms and similar effects caused by positional changes, causing difficulty in the differentiation between the two disorders. This report describes a case of both SCDS and PET that was eventually successfully treated.MethodsA 68-year-old man presented with hyperacusis to his own footsteps and gait disturbance. He had been diagnosed as PET two years before and had been treated by insertion of a silicone plug (Kobayashi plug) at the other hospital. Clinical case records, audiological data, cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP), Eustachian tube function tests and computed tomography (CT) were taken in the sitting position.ResultsWhile the CT confirmed superior semicircular canal dehiscence, the results of cVEMP was not typical of SCD likely due to preexisting hearing impairment in the right ear with a history of middle ear surgeries for the treatment of PET. He received round window reinforcement (RWR) and achieved relief from his symptoms but six months after the surgery, he visited again with complaints of autophony of his own voice and breathing. The tympanic membrane was found to move synchronous with respiration, and Eustachian tube function tests and the sitting CT confirmed the recurrence of severe PET. He had his silicone plug exchanged (increase in size of the Kobayashi plug) and achieved relief from symptoms.ConclusionsThe present case was a rare instance showing that PET and SCDS can occur simultaneously in a patient. The patient achieved relief from symptoms after treatment with RWR and insertion of the Kobayashi plug.     

Eustachian tube function before recurrence of otitis media with effusion

OBJECTIVE: To study the role of eustachian tube function in the development of recurrent otitis media with effusion (OME) in children treated with tympanostomy tubes for OME. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Three academic and general hospitals. PATIENTS: Children aged 2 to 7 years with a first clinical episode of OME that persisted for at least 3 months; 136 (81%) of 168 eligible children participated. All children received tympanostomy tubes for bilateral OME at study entry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Recurrence of OME within 6 months of tube extrusion. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were present in eustachian tube function test results between ears that developed recurrent OME and those that did not. The difference in passive ventilatory function between ears with and without OME recurrence was 10 daPa (95% confidence interval, -24 to 43 daPa) for opening pressure and -3 daPa (95% confidence interval, -18 to 11 daPa) for closing pressure. The overall difference in the proportion of ears with and without OME recurrence that could not equilibrate positive and negative applied pressures was 12% (95% confidence interval, -2% to 26%). The proportions of ears with and without OME recurrence that induced negative pressure in the middle ear by forcefully sniffing were 22% and 31%, respectively (P = .75). CONCLUSION: Measurement of ventilatory and protective eustachian tube function using the forced response test, the pressure equilibration test, and the sniff test has no value in predicting whether children have an increased risk of OME recurrence.     

咽鼓管-鼓室气流动态法对咽鼓管异常开放症的诊断价值

目的 :探讨咽鼓管异常开放症的检测方法。方法 :比较鼓室导抗图法、Morim itsu法和咽鼓管 -鼓室气流动态法 (TTAG法 )检测 2 0耳咽鼓管异常开放症患者的阳性率。结果 :鼓室导抗图法阳性者 5耳 ,阳性率 2 5 % ,Morim itsu法阳性者 12耳 ,阳性率 6 0 % ,TTAG法阳性者 2 0耳 ,阳性率 10 0 %。结论 :TTAG法是诊断和随访咽鼓管异常开放症最有价值的手段。     

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.     

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.     

Cholesteatomas associated with ventilation tube insertion.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of cholesteatoma formation associated with ventilation tube (VT) placement and to identify and analyze the variables and risk factors that may predict or predispose to this complication. DESIGN: We reviewed the medical records of 2829 children following VT insertion between the years 1978 and 1997 to obtain 1- to 20-year follow-up data. SETTING: Departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and outpatient clinics of 2 tertiary referral academic medical centers. PATIENTS: A study population of 2829 children, ranging in age from 1.2 to 14 years (5575 ears), underwent a total of 6701 VT placements. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Cholesteatomas were considered a complication of VT placement whenever they developed at or near the site of the tube insertion. RESULTS: Cholesteatomas directly attributed to VT placement occurred in 1.1% of the ears that were operated on. A higher incidence occurred (1) in children younger than 5 years, (2) when Goode T-tubes were used, (3) in cases with repeated insertions of tubes, (4) with intubation exceeding 12 months, and (5) in cases with frequent post-operative otorrhea. CONCLUSIONS: Cholesteatoma formation associated with VT placement occurs in 1.1% of the ears that are operated on, and therefore it should be discussed with patients or parents prior to surgery. Periodic and long-term follow-up microscopic examinations of the eardrum should be performed in all patients following tubal extrusion or removal, especially in those at high risk for developing a secondary cholesteatoma, to detect this complication as early as possible.     

Trans-tympanic insertion of an angiocatheter with a stopper for treatment of patulous Eustachian tube

BackgroundPlugging of the Eustachian tube (ET) is an effective method for treating patulous Eustachian tube (PET). However, no material suitable for plugging is commercially available. A plugging material was made using an angiocatheter and a ventilating tube (VT).MethodsAn 18-gauge angiocatheter was cut 25 mm from the tip, and the cut end was occluded and widened by melting using a candle. The angiocatheter was inserted into the hole of a Paparella type 1 VT, which was moved to the cut end of the catheter. The VT acted as a stopper at tympanic orifice of ET to prevent the angiocatheter from descending into nasopharynx. Two women with PET received ET-plugging surgery using this plugging material via trans-tympanic approach.ResultsAll symptoms of PET disappeared after surgery. There have been no postoperative complications, and the catheter has functioned well without extrusion.ConclusionA plug created from an angiocatheter and a VT is easy to make and is effective for the treatment of PET.     

咽鼓管-鼓室气流动态图法检测健康人咽鼓管功能的应用探讨

目的：探讨咽鼓管一鼓室气流动态图法（TTAG法）对健康人群咽鼓管功能进行不同亚群分类的临床实用性。方法：对66例（132耳）健康人使用TTAG法采用Valsalva动作检测咽鼓管被动通气功能，并对结果和图形进行分析。结果：TTAG法检测阳性率为93．3％（124／132）。根据曲线特点和吞咽次数将阳性耳分为Ⅰ型77耳，Ⅱ型47耳，两型ET开放时鼻咽腔压力均值比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05），外耳道压力均值差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。结论：TTAG法对判定健康人群中咽鼓管功能不同亚群状态有一定临床应用价值。     

Comparison of sonotubometry,impedance, tubo-tympano-aerography,and tubomanometry to test eustachian tube function

PurposeThere is currently no gold standard for the diagnosis of eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction. To provide an objective basis for the clinical diagnosis of ET dysfunction, we explored the characteristics of sonotubometry, impedance, tubo-tympano-aerography (TTAG), and tubomanometry (TMM) in volunteers with healthy ETs.Materials and methodsSonotubometry, impedance, TTAG, and TMM tests were performed in 110 healthy ears of 55 volunteers, and the characteristics of each ET test were compared and discussed.ResultsThe ET opening rate was compared between sonotubometry with dry swallowing, impedance with the Valsalva maneuver, TTAG with the Valsalva maneuver, and TMM with a nasopharyngeal pressure of 50 mbar in 100 (90.9%), 102 (92.7%), 99 (90.0%), and 104 (94.5%) ears, respectively; there was no significant difference among the four methods (P = 0.575). In sonotubometry, both dry swallowing and the Valsalva maneuver were superior to wet swallowing in terms of detecting ET opening (P = 0.000). In TMM, both the opening rate and the external auditory canal pressure were positively correlated with the nasopharyngeal pressure. Specifically, the opening rate and external auditory canal pressure increased with an increase in the nasopharyngeal pressure (r = 0.271, P = 0.000; r = 0.315, P = 0.000, respectively).ConclusionsSonotubometry, impedance, TTAG, and TMM have their own advantages and disadvantages. In clinical practice, the appropriate ET function test should be chosen on the basis of the patient's specific condition.     

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.     

Long-term follow-up of otitis media with effusion in children: Comparisons between a ventilation tube group and a non-ventilation tube group

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the long-term outcomes in children with otitis media with effusion who received either medical treatment or ventilation tubes.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 89 bilateral cases of otitis media with effusion in children who were recommended to receive ventilation tube insertion and were followed up for more than 5 years. Tympanic membrane was inspected by otoscopic examination. Hearing was evaluated with pure tone audiometry. The mean duration of follow-up was 8.4 years (range, 5.2–15.7 years). Twenty-three children were treated without surgery, while 22 were treated once by ventilation tube insertion and 44 were treated more than once by ventilation tube insertion.

Results

At the fifth year of follow-up, both groups of children who underwent ventilation tube insertion had more frequent tympanic membrane abnormalities than the medication group (8.7% in those treated without surgery, 72.7% in those treated once by ventilation tube insertion, and 88.6% in those treated more than once by ventilation tube insertion). Common tympanic membrane abnormalities were retraction (27.0%) and tympanosclerotic plaque (23.6%), regardless of the treatment modality. At the fifth year follow-up, the average air-conduction threshold was 10.0 dB (± 6.5 dB) in patients treated without surgery, 15.9 dB (± 11.2 dB) in patients treated once by ventilation tube insertion, and 17.8 dB (± 7.6 dB) in those treated more than once by ventilation tube insertion. The audiological difference was significant when we compared the hearing level of children treated by medication without surgery to the two ventilation tube groups.

Conclusion

Though ventilation tube insertion can resolve hearing loss quickly, there were more tympanic membrane abnormalities and a decline in hearing levels in our ventilation tube insertion group vs. the observation group measured 5 years later. Physicians should therefore be cautious when applying a ventilation tube in patients with otitis media with effusion and should explain the risks to patients who are a candidate for repeated ventilation tube insertion.     

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。     

腭裂患儿分泌性中耳炎鼓室置管术疗效分析

目的　观察鼓室置管术在治疗腭裂患儿分泌性中耳炎听力损失的疗效 ,探讨中耳通气管的选择、手术适应证及注意事项。方法　双耳伴发分泌性中耳炎伴听力损失的住院腭裂患儿 19例 ,平均年龄 5 8岁 ,平均气导语频听阈较大的一侧耳在腭裂修复术同期行鼓室置管术 ,对侧未置管耳作为对照组 ,术后 2周至 18个月复查 ,比较置管组及对照组腭裂术前、术后听阈的变化情况。结果置管组耳术后平均气导语频听阈 (2 7 0± 6 5 )dB较术前 (42 7± 8 2 )dB显著降低 ,而对照组耳术前(2 9 0± 6 1)dB、术后 (2 7 0± 4 1)dB听阈差异无显著性。置管组未见严重耳科并发症。结论　腭裂修复术同期鼓室置管术安全、有效 ,可恢复患者听力 ,有利于腭裂术后语音学习。     

咽鼓管置管术与鼓膜置管术治疗分泌性中耳炎疗效比较

目的比较咽鼓管置管术与鼓膜置管术治疗分泌性中耳炎的疗效,为分泌性中耳炎的治疗方式提供依据。方法 将71例（86耳）分泌性中耳炎患者随机分成实验组（36例,44耳）与对照组（35例,42耳）。实验组在鼻内镜直视下行咽鼓管置管术,每日;中洗后鼓室注药治疗;对照组行鼓膜切开并置管。术后随访6个月,比较两组疗效。结果实验组治愈21耳（47．73％）,显效19耳（43．18％）,无效4耳（9.09％）。对照组治愈12耳（28．57％）,显效17耳（40．48％）,无效13耳（30．95％）。实验组治疗有效率为90．91％,显著高于对照组69．05％（P〈0．05）,实验组治疗后平均听阈为20．95dB,显著好于对照组28．25dB（P〈0．01）。结论鼻内镜下咽鼓管置管术疗效明显优于鼓膜置管术,联合药物管腔内注入可有效恢复咽鼓管功能,且避免了鼓膜损伤,符合微创原则,是治疗分泌性中耳炎的理想选择。