The clinical management of otorrhoea following grommet insertion: a survey of otolaryngologists and general practitioners

A postal questionnaire of all Consultant Otolaryngologists in the British Isles, and of General Practitioners within the local family practitioner committee area, was designed to compare the current practice in the management of discharge from the ear following grommet insertion. 76% of the Otolaryngologists and 52% of the General Practitioners completed the questionnaire. Between the two groups, statistically significant differences were apparent in the management of this common complication of grommet surgery. A higher proportion of Consultants took a bacteriology swab of the ear as part of their treatment, which was significantly more frequently treated by antibiotic ear drops. Within the Consultant group, significant regional variations in choice of drugs and therefore the cost of treatment were apparent. The General Practitioners more commonly prescribed oral antibiotics. This common complication of grommet surgery is managed differently by General Practitioners and Otolaryngologists without a firm rational basis. Treatment based on current knowledge is discussed. Further evaluation of the efficacy of different treatment regimens by controlled prospective trials is required.