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Tympanic membrane patching with bandage contact lens after removal of ventilation T tubes
H M Caetano1, J Maw, P Bernard
1Department of Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario.
Insights
Bandage contact lenses (BCLs) significantly improve spontaneous healing of tympanic membranes after ventilation tube removal. This promotes faster recovery, better hearing, and reduces infection risks in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Otology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Ventilation tubes (VTs) are commonly used in pediatric patients.
- Early closure of the tympanic membrane after VT removal is clinically desirable.
- Persistent perforations can lead to complications like infection and hearing loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of bandage contact lenses (BCLs) in promoting spontaneous healing of tympanic membranes.
- To compare BCL patching with conservative management after VT removal.
Main Methods:
- A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted on 39 pediatric patients.
- Following VT removal, one tympanic membrane was patched with a BCL, while the contralateral ear received conservative management.
- Outcomes were assessed at 2 weeks post-procedure.
Main Results:
- A significantly greater proportion of tympanic membranes treated with BCLs healed within 2 weeks (p < .005).
- BCL patching demonstrated superior healing rates compared to conservative management.
Conclusions:
- BCLs effectively promote spontaneous tympanic membrane healing after VT removal.
- This approach may reduce infection risk, improve hearing, and decrease persistent perforations.
- Early intervention with BCLs offers a promising strategy for managing tympanic membrane perforations.
Objective:
Early closure of the tympanic membrane, after removal of longstanding ventilation T tubes (VTs), is a desirable outcome. A prospective randomized control study was undertaken to determine if spontaneous healing of the tympanic membrane is promoted with a bandage contact lens (BCL).
Method:
Thirty-nine paediatric patients, who required removal of VTs under general anaesthesia, were selected. After removal of the ventilation tubes, one tympanic membrane was randomly selected for patching with a BCL, while the other underwent conservative management. Follow-up examination was performed at 2 weeks. Remaining perforations of the tympanic membranes were noted. The mean length of time VTs were present was 35.7 months.
Results:
Chi-square analysis reveals that a significantly greater proportion of tympanic membranes patched with a BCL were healed at 2 weeks (p < .005).
Conclusions:
Thus, promotion of spontaneous healing with BCL may allow for decreased risk of infection, improved hearing, and earlier avoidance of precautions necessary for perforated tympanic membranes. Also, it is possible that promoting spontaneous healing at the early phase may decrease the number of persistent tympanic membrane perforations after VT removal.