[Middle ear pressure after rhinoplasty surgery (author's transl)]

Middle ear pressure after rhinoplasty surgery was determined by tympanometry. Measurings were done in 94 patients (total of 177 ears) before the rhinoplasty operation and during the following 6 days respectively in special cases up to three weeks. In 153 ears normal middle ear pressure was found before the operation. After the rhinoplasty in about 2/3 of all cases negative pressure up to 300 mm Ws developed. This negative pressure was equalized in the vast majority of cases (84.3%) after the tamponade was removed. In some cases negative pressure persisted for 6 days after the operation (9.8%); in few cases (5.9%) up to three weeks. In 13 out of 24 patients having negative middle ear pressures together with rhinomanometrically objectified impaired nasal ventilation rhinoplasty led to normal middle ear pressure. Reasons for the development of negative pressures in the middle ear are discussed. The results of the investigations lead to consequences concerning tympanoplasty in connection with rhinoplasty operations. Rhinoplasty and tympanoplasty should not be performed on the same day--there should be an intervall of 4--6 days between these operations. Negative pressure in the middle ear in cases of impaired nasal ventilation can be improved by rhinoplasty.