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Aspirating middle ear effusions when inserting ventilation tubes: does it influence post-operative otorrhoea, tube
P J Dawes1, B J Bingham, R Rhys
1ENT Department, United Bristol Hospitals, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Insights
Aspiration of middle ear fluid before ventilation tube insertion did not affect otorrhoea or tube blockage. However, effusion aspiration correlated with operative bleeding and tympanosclerosis development.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Middle ear effusions are common in children.
- Ventilation tube insertion is a standard treatment.
- The impact of pre-insertion effusion aspiration is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if aspirating middle ear effusions before ventilation tube insertion affects otorrhoea and tympanosclerosis.
- To analyze the relationship between effusion aspiration, operative bleeding, and tympanosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 50 children undergoing ventilation tube insertion.
- Middle ear effusions were aspirated in some cases prior to tube placement.
- Outcomes assessed included otorrhoea, ventilation tube obstruction, and tympanosclerosis.
Main Results:
- Aspiration of middle ear effusions did not influence the incidence of purulent otorrhoea or ventilation tube obstruction within one month.
- Tympanosclerosis development was not correlated with effusion aspiration.
- Aspirating effusions correlated with operative bleeding and subsequent tympanosclerosis.
Conclusions:
- Pre-insertion aspiration of middle ear effusions does not prevent early otorrhoea or tube obstruction.
- Operative bleeding during effusion aspiration may be linked to tympanosclerosis development.
Abstract:
This prospective study examined the influence of aspirating middle ear effusions, immediately prior to ventilation tube insertion, upon the subsequent development of otorrhoea and tympanosclerosis. 50 children were studied and aspiration of effusions did not influence the incidence of purulent otorrhoea or ventilation tube obstruction within 1 month of surgery. The development of tympanosclerosis did not correlate with effusion aspiration, but in those ears which had an effusion aspirated there was a relation between operative bleeding and the development of tympanosclerosis.