Laser Myringotomy (L-Myringotomy) and Ventilating Tubes: A Preliminary Comparative Study

A prospective comparative study was done to assess the validity of laser myringotomy (L-myringotomy) when compared to the insertion of ventilating tubes (VT). In 23 children with chronic otitis media with effusion, a VT was inserted in the left ear while a laser myringotomy was performed in the right ear by using the CO₂ Sharplan 1030 laser. After a six month follow-up conducted during the winter months, the results with the laser myringotomy were equal to those in the left ear with the VT. During the follow-up period, three ears required additional laser myringotomy either for early closure or because of otitis media and the accumulation of effusion in the middle ear cavity. Nevertheless, the use of laser has the advantage that there is no foreign body in the ear, the tympanic membrane is closed after four to seven weeks, and since the procedure is very short, the time for anaesthesia is minimal. Paper received 17 November 1997; accepted after revision 13 May 1998.