The feasibility of office-based laser-assisted tympanic membrane fenestration with tympanostomy tube insertion: the duPont Hospital experience.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of inserting tympanostomy tubes in children using office-based laser-assisted tympanic membrane fenestration. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Study consisted of a retrospective review of the charts of all children who underwent office-based laser-assisted tympanic membrane fenestration with tympanostomy tube insertion from July 1, 1998 to August 31, 2000. Tetracaine eardrops were used for topical anesthesia. Fenestration was achieved with the OtoLAM flashscanner laser (ESC Sharplan, Yokneam, Israel). RESULTS: Of the 127 patients (185 ears) who underwent laser-assisted tympanic membrane fenestration, 61 ears underwent tympanostomy tube insertion. Ten ears were treated for otitis media with effusion, 43 for recurrent acute otitis media, and eight for acute otitis media not responding to antibiotics. Fifteen ears had purulent effusion, five had a serous effusion, and 23 had mucoid middle ear fluid. Eighteen ears had no middle ear fluid. At the first follow-up visit, all tested ears had hearing of 20 dB or better. Two children had tubes that were blocked. Blockage occurred in ears that required more than one laser firing to penetrate the tympanic membrane. Otorrhea was present in 13 ears (21%). Otorrhea occurred exclusively in ears with purulent or mucoid middle ear fluid. CONCLUSIONS: Office-based laser-assisted tympanic membrane fenestration with tympanostomy tube insertion is a safe and effective alternative to tube placement in the operating room. The outcome compares favorably with previously published data.     

Impact of perforation size and predictive factors for successful pediatric gelfoam myringoplasty

ObjectivesRates of success with pediatric myringoplasty range from 35 to 95%. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of perforation size on successful closure of the tympanic membrane (TM) after gelfoam myringoplasty. We also aim to identify variables that affect perforation closure rates and define predictive factors for successful TM closure.MethodsA retrospective chart review of all patients that underwent gelfoam myringoplasty by a single surgeon from August 2008 through January 2015 was performed.ResultsOne hundred fifty-nine patients met inclusion criteria and underwent a total of 219 procedures. Overall, gelfoam myringoplasty had an 83.1% rate of successful closure. Average perforation size was 15.31%. Classification tree analysis separated our cohort into three groups based on perforation size: Group 1 (<16.25%) had a 91% closure rate, group 2 (16.25% to <31.25%) had a 66.0% closure rate and group 3 (≥31.25%) had a 30.0% closure rate. Smaller perforations (P ≤0.001) were associated with increased success rates. Other factors associated with successful closure of the TM included younger age at the time of myringoplasty (P ≤0.001), fewer number of prior tympanostomy tubes (P = 0.016), and lesser duration of tube retention (P = 0.003).ConclusionGelfoam myringoplasty provides good overall TM closure rates and may be considered as a potential first-line option for repair of perforations, including those involving up to 40% of the TM. Younger patients with smaller perforations, fewer sets of tubes, shorter length of tube retention are more likely to have successful closure of the tympanic membrane.     

Impact of mastoidectomy on simple tympanic membrane perforation repair

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Mastoidectomy has long been identified as an effective method of treatment for chronic ear infection. The effect of mastoidectomy on patients without evidence of active infectious disease remains highly debated and unproven. The objective in the study was to examine the impact of mastoidectomy on the repair of uncomplicated tympanic membrane perforations. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of patients at tertiary referral center. METHODS: Four hundred eighty-four patients who underwent surgical repair of simple tympanic membrane perforations were identified and reviewed in a retrospective manner. Simple tympanic membrane perforations were defined as tympanic membrane perforations of any size and location without any of the following confounding variables: 1). active infection (active otorrhea, abnormal middle ear mucosa, or granulations tissue); 2). ossicular abnormalities (ossicular fixation, ossicular discontinuity, ossicular malformation, or ossicular absence); 3). cholesteatoma; or 4). prior attempt at tympanic membrane repair (prior tympanoplasty or mastoidectomy). Surgical outcome and clinical course were assessed to compare results of tympanic membrane perforation repair with and without canal wall up mastoidectomy. RESULTS: Tympanic membrane repair was equally effective in both groups at 91%. Hearing results were comparable. Development of persistent ipsilateral otological disease requiring a subsequent ipsilateral procedure was approximately twice as common in the tympanoplasty group. In the tympanoplasty group, 14.1% of patients underwent subsequent ipsilateral otological procedures, and 6.1% of patients in the tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy intact canal wall group underwent subsequent ipsilateral procedures (P <.05). The most common subsequent ipsilateral procedures were tympanoplasty, tympanostomy tube placement, tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy canal wall up, and tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy canal wall down, in that order. After including untreated tympanic membrane perforations as subsequent procedures, the adjusted rate of subsequent procedures was 15.5% in the tympanoplasty group and 12.2% in the tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy group (P >.05). CONCLUSION: Mastoidectomy was not necessary for successful repair of simple tympanic membrane perforations. However, mastoidectomy impacted the clinical course in patients by reducing the number of patients requiring future procedures and by decreasing disease progression. This suggests that even in the absence of active evidence of infection, mastoidectomy improved the underlying disease process. Combining mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty during repair of simple perforations in patients with no active evidence of infection remains an appropriate option and may be valuable in reducing the need for future surgery.     

Intravenous sedation vs general anesthesia for pediatric otolaryngology procedures

OBJECTIVE: To compare efficacy, safety, and hospital charges for common pediatric otolaryngology procedures with the use of intravenous sedation (IVS) vs general anesthesia (GA). DESIGN: Retrospective chart study. SETTING: Hospital-based pediatric otolaryngology practice. PATIENTS: Patients younger than 18 years who underwent tympanostomy tube removal and/or patch myringoplasty with absorbable gelatin sponge, nasal ciliary biopsy, fine-needle aspiration, or other minor procedures between September 1, 1998, and August 31, 2001. INTERVENTIONS: Procedures performed in 2 settings: outpatient clinic with IVS or operating room with GA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Procedure completion rate, tympanic membrane perforation rate after ear procedures, complications, and hospital charges. RESULTS: Of 103 procedures, 54 were performed with IVS and 49 with GA. Within the GA group, 32 of 49 patients had additional operations performed and were excluded from analysis of safety and hospital charges. Procedure completion rate was 100% in both groups. The most common procedure was tympanostomy tube removal with patch myringoplasty (IVS, 52 ears; GA, 42 ears). The rate of persistent tympanic membrane perforation was similar between these groups (IVS, 7 [16%] of 45 ears; GA, 5 [15%] of 33; P =.96). All complications were minor and occurred at similar rates (IVS, 10 [19%] of 54 ears; GA, 3 [18%] of 17; P =.94). These events included hypoxia, airway obstruction, and bradycardia, all of which resolved spontaneously or responded to noninvasive interventions such as oxygen or repositioning. Average hospital charges were significantly higher for the GA group (IVS, $356.22; GA, $1516.55; P<.001). CONCLUSION: Various procedures can be performed safely, effectively, and with decreased hospital charges with the use of IVS administered by a pediatric sedation service.     

Rate of persistent perforation after elective tympanostomy tube removal in pediatric patients

This study was performed to determine the rate of persistent perforations according to age, tube type and duration of intubation in children who underwent elective tympanostomy tube removal. Our retrospective analysis of hospital and clinic charts included all patients who underwent elective tube removal from July 1995 to December 1997 at our institution. Information from the chart review included patient age at time of tube removal, type of tube removed, duration of intubation, presence of granulation tissue/polyps, and concomitant paper patch placement. The outcome of each surgical removal was determined by examining follow-up clinic charts. A patient was deemed to have a persistent perforation if the eardrum had not adequately healed within 3 months after surgery. Data on 201 patients were gathered. These patients had 273 tube removals. Eleven percent of ears (29/273) had persistent perforations. According to tube type, no perforations (0/48) occurred with Collar Bobbin tubes, 6% (3/50) with Tytan tubes, 7% (3/44) with Duravent tubes, and 22% (16/74) with Paparella II tubes. Three percent (3/101) of tubes in place for <3 years and 15% (26/172) of tubes in place for >3 years showed persistent perforations after removal. Ears with granulation polyps had a 9% (18/203) rate of perforations, whereas those without granulation polyps had a 16% (11/70) rate of perforations. Forty percent (4/10) of ears were treated with paper patches at the time of tube removal showed persistent perforations. Our data indicate that the rate of persistent perforation (11%) after elective tympanostomy tube removal is high. The factors associated with higher rates of persistent perforation (P<0.05) include duration of intubation >3 years prior to removal and the use of long-term Paparella II tubes.     

Medial migration of tympanostomy tubes: an overlooked complication

BACKGROUND: Frequently encountered complications associated with tympanostomy tube placement have been well documented and are globally recognized. The medial migration of tympanostomy tubes into the middle ear space is a rare complication for which pathogenesis, natural history, and management have not been clearly delineated. OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience with the medial migration of tympanostomy tubes into the middle ear space. To propose a simple classification system and define management recommendations. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients with medial tube migration seen in a Pediatric Otolaryngology practice at a tertiary care university hospital between 1995 and 2005. RESULTS: Six pediatric patients (ages 3-19) were found to have seven tympanostomy tubes within the middle ear space at various intervals following tube placement. One patient had a migrated tympanostomy tube deep to a large myringotomy incision. Five patients (six ears) had migrated tubes medial to intact, healed tympanic membranes. Fifty percent of the patients had symptoms attributable to the migrated tube. All six patients underwent middle ear exploration with successful removal of the migrated tube. CONCLUSIONS: This process can be defined as primary, when the tympanostomy tube migrates due to a technical error, or secondary, when the tube is initially seen in the correct position but is later found medial to a healed, intact tympanic membrane. Medial migration is apparently independent of tube type and can occur at various intervals after placement. The process of secondary migration is most likely multifactorial but may in part be the result of persistent negative middle ear pressure. Migrated tubes should be removed surgically unless contraindicated.     

A comparison of outcomes following tympanostomy tube placement or conservative measures for management of otitis media with effusion

We obtained the charts of 183 patients (197 ears) who had undergone surgery for chronic otitis media (COM), and we reviewed their otic histories to analyze the series of events that ultimately culminated in surgery. All ears had originally been treated for otitis media with effusion (OME); 125 ears had been treated with tympanostomy tube placement, and 72 ears had been treated with conservative measures. Our goal was to compare the influence that these two strategies had on the subsequent development of COM and its sequelae (i.e., retraction pockets, tympanic membrane perforations, and cholesteatomas) and thereby determine which strategy is preferable. We found that although retraction pockets developed in a significantly higher proportion of the tympanostomy-treated ears than the conservatively treated ears (58 vs. 35%; p < 0.01), a significantly greater percentage of retractions in the tympanostomy-treated ears were mild and situated in the anterior part of the tympanic membrane (52 vs. 32%; p < 0.05). Moreover, severe retractions were significantly more common in the conservatively treated ears (40 vs. 16%; p < 0.02); the incidence of complete retractions in the two groups of ears was similar (tympanostomy: 32%; conservative treatment: 28%). Cholesteatomas developed in a significantly lower percentage of tympanostomy-treated ears (67 vs. 81%; p < 0.05), and the incidence of large cholesteatomas that involved the tympanic and mastoid cavities was likewise significantly lower in these ears (44 vs. 69%; p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of tympanic membrane perforations. Finally, even though all of these ears eventually required surgery for COM, the tympanostomy-treated ears required significantly fewer repeat surgeries (16 vs. 28%; p < 0.05) and significantly fewer radical modified tympanomastoidectomies (30 vs. 44%; p < 0.05). Therefore, we conclude that myringotomy with insertion of tympanostomy tubes to treat OME is superior to conservative treatment.     

Tympanic membrane changes resulting from different methods of transmyringeal middle ear ventilation

This experimental study was designed to evaluate the morphologic changes of the tympanic membrane in the rat after different methods of transmyringeal ventilation. Artificial ventilation was obtained in two principal ways, either by making tympanic membrane perforations with delayed healing or by inserting a tympanostomy tube. Perforations occupying the upper rear quadrant of the tympanic membrane were made by diathermy or by a carbon dioxide laser with healing times of 12 to 15 days and 18 to 21 days, respectively. Compared with the healing times of perforations made by lancet (9 to 11 days), the healing pattern was considerably delayed. The structural changes of the healed tympanic membrane were minimal, but the connective tissue remained thickened for several months. Repeated insertion of tympanostomy tubes caused a remarkable thickening (30-fold) of the tubulated quadrants. The thickened tympanic membranes were characterized by a hyperplastic, dense connective tissue containing sclerotic plaques. Similar changes, though less pronounced, were also seen after reiterated myringotomies without tube insertion.     

内镜下鼓膜成形术

目的评价内镜下修补干性鼓膜中、小穿孔的效果并与传统的烧灼法作对照。方法按完全随机法将鼓膜干性中央性中、小穿孔130耳分为两组,第一组100耳接受内镜下同种异体颞肌筋膜鼓膜成形术(内镜组),另30耳采用传统的40%三氯醋酸烧灼法进行修补(对照组)。比较两组间术后3个月鼓膜穿孔完全愈合的耳数以及术后6个月的语言频率纯音听阈的差异。结果术后3个月,内镜组鼓膜穿孔完全愈合率为91/100,较对照组的20/30高(P<0.01),术后6个月,两组鼓膜穿孔完全愈合者的骨-气导差在10dB以内的占90.1%。结论使用内镜修补鼓膜穿孔具有明显的优势,可代替手术显微镜且更容易通过狭窄或弯曲的外耳道,该手术是一种简单易行、安全有效的方法。     

Endoscopic vs microscopic myringoplasty: a different perspective

The objectives of this study were to ascertain the feasibility of transcanal endoscopic underlay myringoplasty using temporalis fascia and compare the results with microscopic myringoplasty. This prospective randomized trial included 60 patients with mucosal chronic otitis media with tympanic membrane perforations of all sizes and locations apart from posteriorly based small or moderate sized perforations. In the endoscopy group, 30 patients underwent exclusive transcanal myringoplasty using tympanomeatal flap elevation with underlay graft placement. In the microscopy group, 30 patients underwent myringoplasty using the postaural approach. Intra-operative variables compared were canalplasty and canal wall curettage for assessment of ossicular status. Graft uptake, hearing outcomes using pure tone audiometry and subjective cosmetic outcomes were assessed 24 weeks post-operatively and compared in the two groups. Resident feedback on the feasibility of endoscopic myringoplasty was obtained using a questionnaire. In the microscopy group, 5/30 patients required canalplasty due to canal overhangs and 4/30 required canal wall curettage for ossicular assessment, whereas none of the patients in the endoscopy group required these procedures. A graft uptake rate of 83.3 % was observed in both groups post-operatively after 24 weeks. Mean air-bone gap pre- and post-operatively in the endoscopy group was 28.5 and 18.13 dB, respectively, whereas these values were 32.4 and 16.9 dB, respectively, in the microscopy group. Subjective cosmetic outcomes were better in the endoscopy group. Resident feedback on endoscopic myringoplasty was positive. Endoscopic myringoplasty appears to be an effective alternative to microscopic myringoplasty and results in excellent hearing with good cosmetic outcomes.     

Effect of artificial airway on ear complications from hyperbaric oxygen

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment is associated with an increased risk of barotrauma to the tympanic membrane and middle ear. An artificial airway may compromise normal eustachian tube function and equilibration of middle ear pressures. This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the risk of middle ear complications in 267 patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy and to compare those with and without artificial airways. Charts of all patients were reviewed for middle ear and tympanic membrane complications and myringotomy tube placement. Eighteen of the 267 patients had artificial airways. Seventeen (94%) of these 18 patients developed middle ear or tympanic membrane complications, and 11 (61%) required tympanostomy tubes for pain, hemo-tympanum, or serous otitis. In contrast, 114 (45.8%) of the 249 patients without airways developed ear complications, and 53 (21.3%) required tympanostomy tubes. These results suggest that patients with an artificial airway who are receiving HBO therapy are at greater risk for developing tympanic membrane and middle ear complications than nonintubated patients. Similarly, patients with artificial airways receiving HBO frequently require placement of tympanostomy tubes.     

耳内镜及手术显微镜下自体脂肪鼓膜修补术的比较

目的通过对手术显微镜下及耳内镜下自体脂肪鼓膜修补术的疗效比较,探讨耳内镜下脂肪鼓膜修补术的临床应用价值。方法回顾性分析1998年6月至2001年6月间78例(83耳)显微镜下自体脂肪鼓膜修补术及2001年7月至2005年6月间108例(115耳)耳内镜下行脂肪鼓膜修补术患者的临床资料,比较两组患者的治疗效果。结果全部患者随访时间均超过6个月,二组鼓膜穿孔愈合率分别为91.57%(76/83)和93.04%(107/115),二组中不同大小、不同位置、不同类型鼓膜穿孔患者的愈合率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论耳内镜下鼓膜穿孔自体脂肪修补术是一种简单、安全、有效的方法,具有无需手术切口、并发症少、节省费用等优点。     

Fat graft myringoplasty: a cost-effective but underused procedure

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the success of fat graft myringoplasty and to discuss the utilities and advantages of a fat graft in primary versus revision myringoplasties. METHODS: Eighteen patients who had not had previous otological surgery, and twelve patients whose tympanic membrane perforations have persisted despite myringoplasty with temporalis fascia were included in this prospective clinical trial. All patients were treated by fat graft myringoplasty and followed up for one year. RESULTS: Successful closure of the perforation was obtained in 82.4 per cent of the ears at the final follow up. The success rate in the group of patients who had not had previous otological surgery was higher than those of revision cases. CONCLUSIONS: Adipose tissue provides the basic requirements for grafting of the tympanic membrane, with its own favourable characteristics. Fat graft myringoplasty is a cost-effective alternative in small perforations of the tympanic membrane, including revision cases.     

The mechanical reduction of early acquired cholesteatomas in children: indications and limitations

The standard treatment for acquired cholesteatoma involves surgical removal of the lesion and reconstruction of the tympanic membrane. In some children, these lesions can be treated more conservatively. We conducted a retrospective study of 29 ears in 24 children who had been treated for early acquired cholesteatoma with mechanical reduction and a tympanostomy tube. Outcomes measures included hearing status, the postoperative appearance of the tympanic membrane, and the need for additional surgery. We found that anterior and inferior pars tensa lesions, with or without squamous debris, can be successfully reduced, but that posterosuperior retractions respond less well when the ossicular chain has been eroded. None of the children who responded to mechanical reduction required major reconstructive surgery later. We conclude that mechanical reduction of retraction pocket cholesteatomas with tympanostomy tube placement is sufficient to restore normal hearing and a normal tympanic membrane appearance in selected children with early lesions. We also identified several important prognostic features, including the patient's age, the specific location of the retraction pocket on the tympanic membrane, the extent of the pocket, ossicular chain involvement, and the patient's adenoid status.     

Pediatric myringoplasty: factors that affect success-a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of patient and graft variables on the successful closure of tympanic membrane perforations treated with myringoplasty at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh from 2000 to 2005. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review at an academic tertiary-care children's hospital. METHODS: Charts were reviewed for 604 children, ages 1 to 18 years old, with complete records who underwent myringoplasty by the pediatric otolaryngology practice at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC from 2000 to 2005, totaling 777 procedures. RESULTS: Significant variables include patient age, number of prior tubes, perforation etiology (P < .000), presence of a retained tube (P < .000) as well as tube type (P = .016), graft material (P = .001), and history of Down syndrome (P = .035). Nonsignificant variables include season of procedure (P = .599), status of adenoid tissue (P = .910), prior otorrhea (P = .175), as well as perforation location (P = .318) and duration (P = .150). CONCLUSIONS: Proper patient and graft material selection can affect the outcome of myringoplasty procedures. Practical implications from these data suggest that Gelfoam myringoplasty is more successful than either paper patch or fat graft closures, with a 90.8% success rate (P = .001). Myringoplasty should not be deferred during the winter months as the season of procedure does appear to not affect the success of closure (P = .60). Similarly, the presence or absence of adenoid tissue did not affect the success of closure (P = .91).     

Cartilaginous myringoplasty: the endoscopic transcanal procedure

The objectives of the study are to evaluate the feasibility, results and complications of the endoscopic transcanal cartilaginous myringoplasty. Thirty patients with a tympanic membrane perforation underwent a transcanal endoscopic cartilaginous myringoplasty, between June 2008 and January 2010. Three patients had a residual perforation at 2 months after surgery. At 1 year, the perforation was closed for 29 patients (96 %). There was no case of blunting, lateralization of the tympanic membrane or ossicular injury. Two patients had an iatrogenic superficial cholesteatoma in the tympanic membrane. There was no significant postoperative worsening of sensorineural hearing loss. The preoperative Air Bone Gap (ABG) was not correlated with the size or site of TMP. The evolution of ABG postoperatively was not significant. The statistical analysis was performed by the Student’s t test. The endoscopic transcanal cartilaginous myringoplasty is a minimally invasive, effective and reliable procedure in the management of the tympanic membrane perforations.     

Tissue-engineered calcium alginate patches in the repair of chronic chinchilla tympanic membrane perforations

OBJECTIVE: Chronic tympanic membrane perforations are a common problem in the United States. A high number of these cases results from placement of pressure equalization tubes. These perforations may initially be treated with paper patch techniques and although safe and well tolerated, the procedure demonstrates poor efficacy. The ideal treatment for small perforations should be rapid, minimally invasive, and efficacious. Calcium alginate-based tissue engineered tympanic membrane patches represent an attractive option, but in vivo data are required. METHODS: A controlled prospective study of tympanic membrane perforation repair using a well-known chinchilla model of chronic tympanic membrane perforation was performed. Calcium alginate-based tympanic membrane patches were created using computer-aided design techniques. A previously described chinchilla model of chronic tympanic membrane perforations was used to create stable perforations ranging from 2 to 5 mm. Ears with chronic perforations were divided into three groups: control (no patch), paper patch, and calcium alginate plugs. At 10 weeks postimplantation, all animals were killed and inspected both grossly and histologically for healing. RESULTS: In the chinchilla model, the alginate grafts demonstrated significantly improved healing rates over both the untreated control group (spontaneous repair) and the paper patch group; nine of 13 healed in the alginate group versus two of nine healed in the paper patch group (P < .05) versus one of 11 healed in the control group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Calcium alginate tympanic membrane perforation patches offer a significant advantage in the repair of chronic perforations over traditional techniques in the chinchilla perforation model and may offer attractive opportunities in the clinical setting.     

Outcome of 22 cases of perforated tympanic membrane caused by otomycosis.

Twenty-two cases of perforated tympanic membrane due to fungal otitis externa were observed over a five-year period. The diagnosis of fungal otitis externa was made on clinical grounds due to the obvious presence of fungal bloom in the external ear canal. Some perforations were noted at the first treatment after the fungal debris had been removed from the external ear canal using a microscope. Other perforations were observed to develop over a few days. Initially, a discrete area of the tympanic membrane appeared white and opaque. As time progressed the white area disintegrated, forming a perforation. Once the otitis externa had resolved most perforations healed spontaneously. Two that were observed to develop during treatment required a myringoplasty. Another one closed significantly but a tiny persistent perforation required cauterization with trichloracetic acid to encourage it to close over completely. The only residual hearing loss was in a case with almost total disintegration of the tympanic membrane requiring a myringoplasty. Treatment of fungal otitis externa for the patients in this series was aural toilet using suction under a microscope and insertion of a gauze wick saturated in a combination of hydrocortisone, clotrimazole, framycetin and gramicidin.     

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.     

A prospective randomized study of four commonly used tympanostomy tubes

Tympanostomy tube placement has clearly been shown to be an efficacious treatment for recurrent bouts of acute otitis media or chronic otitis media with effusion. However, there are few objective, prospective, randomized studies present in the literature to aid the clinical otolaryngologist with the proper tube choice for middle ear aeration. A prospective, randomized study was undertaken of four commonly used tympanostomy tubes. Shepard Teflon grommet, Armstrong beveled tube, Reuter-Bobbin tube, and Goode T-tube. This study was undertaken to determine which of these tubes had the fewest number of postplacement complications, including otorrhea, plugging, residual perforation, or chronic persistence in the tympanic membrane. Average follow-up was 17 months. The Shepard and Armstrong tubes showed a comparatively low rate of plugging and otorrhea. Both tubes had extrusion times that averaged less than 1 year. The Reuter-Bobbin tube had a much greater rate of plugging, compared to the other tubes. The T-tube had an increased incidence of otorrhea and persistence in the tympanic membrane well beyond 1 year. The T-tube was also the only tube in this study associated with residual perforations.