Abstract:
Tympanostomy tube insertion is one of
the most frequently performed procedures in otolaryngology.
Complications, such as otorrhea, tympanosclerosis,
and cholesteatoma, have been reported
in the literature after its application.
STUDY DESIGN: This study reports the complications
encountered with 239 children (439 ears) with a
follow-up of 7 to 73 months (median, 29 months)
after tympanostomy tube insertion. Hearing results
and middle ear pressures were compared and
complications were noted in 366 ears that were
available for the study.
RESULTS: Otorrhea developed in 3 (0.8%) cases.
Tympanosclerosis was seen in 74 (20.2%) cases.
Tympanic membrane perforation, retraction pocket,
granulation tissue, and atelectasis were seen in
4.6%, 5.2%, 1.1%, and 6%, respectively. No patients
developed cholesteatoma after tube insertion.
Hearing results were improved postoperatively in
93.4% of patients (median, 14.2 dB) and worse in
6.6% of patients (median, 8.3 dB). The average extrusion
time was 7.3 months for grommet and 16.3
months for T-tubes.
CONCLUSION: Multifactor etiologies show some
unsolved or misunderstood underlying pathology,
or unmentioned environmental factor such as
atopy due to rich flora and humidity might exist to
consider in the pathophysiology of the otorrhea.
