Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Endaural Endoscopic Atticoantrotomy (Retrograde Mastoidectomy) using a Constant Suction Bone-drilling Technique
Published on: May 23, 2021
What your colleagues think of tympanostomy tubes--28 years later
1Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA. ntodd@emory.edu
Objective:
Assess the changing opinions of otolaryngologists about tympanostomy tubes, including indications, tube material and shape and size, placement sites, and complications.
Study Design:
Cross-sectional survey, compared to the same survey done 28 years earlier.
Methods:
Questionnaires mailed to the 441 active fellows and 86 candidates of the Triological Society. Response rate 69.3%.
Results:
The preference for polyethylene has decreased from 75% to 13% of respondents. Preferred insertion sites are more anterior. The proportion of respondents who have seen a permanent perforation as a consequence has increased from 26% to 93%. The proportion of respondents who have seen a tube-attributable cholesteatoma has increased from 8% to 38%. The average tube duration has increased from 4 months to 18 months. Teflon and Silastic are now the materials most often used. As 28 years earlier, about 19% of patients get a subsequent tympanostomy tube. Anesthetics most commonly used now are general or topical phenol.
Conclusion:
The consensus on several aspects of tympanostomy tubes has changed during 28 years. Controversy continues about the indications for using tubes. Although not a not cure-all for otitis media, tympanostomy tubes have proved useful.
