Persistent otorrhoea after ventilation tube insertion: a treatment protocol

M A Siddiq1, A A Narula

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester.

Insights

Persistent ear discharge (otorrhoea) after ventilation tube insertion can be challenging. A five-day inpatient treatment of intravenous antibiotics, topical medication, and microsuction effectively resolved persistent otorrhoea in most patients.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Otorrhoea is a frequent complication following ventilation tube (grommet) insertion.
  • Some cases of otorrhoea are resistant to standard topical or systemic antibiotic treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of a five-day inpatient treatment regimen for persistent otorrhoea post-ventilation tube insertion.

Main Methods:

  • Eleven patients with persistent otorrhoea were treated with intravenous antibiotics, topical medication, and daily microsuction.
  • Treatment duration was five days in an inpatient setting.

Main Results:

  • Nine out of eleven (81.8%) subjects showed a positive response to the proposed treatment.
  • The treatment regimen was effective in resolving persistent otorrhoea in the majority of participants.

Conclusions:

  • A five-day inpatient treatment course including intravenous antibiotics, topical medication, and daily microsuction is recommended for persistent otorrhoea.
  • This management strategy should be considered before resorting to examination under anaesthesia or grommet removal.

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