A comparison of performance of Shepard and Sheehy collar button ventilation tubes

This study was designed to confirm the longer in situ life of the Sheehy collar button compared with the Shepard tube and to assess the complication rates associated with the two tubes. Cases of bilateral otitis media with effusion had a Shepard tube inserted in one ear and a Sheehy contralaterally. The insertion position was allocated randomly. The patients were then assessed at three-monthly intervals for two years. In 71 per cent of those in whom at least one tube had extruded, the Sheehy remained in situ longer. The antero-inferior tube remained longer than the postero-inferior whichever type was used. There was no significant difference between complication rates, or recurrence rates of middle ear effusion after tube extrusion, for the two types. We conclude that use of a Sheehy rather than a Shepard tube carries no increased risk of complications and the patient may require further surgery less often in total.