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Ear packing after ear surgery: is it really necessary?

J Borgstein1, G de Zwart, I A Bruce

  • 1Department of Paediatric Otolaryngology, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. j.borgstein@erasmusmc.nl

The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|October 13, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Ear canal packing after surgery may be unnecessary. This study found that omitting post-operative ear packing in children led to few complications, suggesting it can be safely abandoned.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Surgery

Background:

  • Post-operative ear packing is a common practice after ear surgery.
  • Concerns exist regarding the necessity and patient discomfort associated with ear packing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of omitting post-operative ear canal packing in pediatric patients undergoing major ear surgery.
  • To determine the incidence of post-operative complications without ear packing.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 135 major ear surgeries in 107 pediatric patients over one year.
  • Analysis of post-operative complications and infections within the first six weeks.
  • Procedures included a full range of otological interventions.

Main Results:

  • A total of 135 ears were operated on in 107 patients (age range: 11 months to 19 years).
  • Eight children (7.5%) developed post-operative ear infections, all managed with topical antibiotics.
  • No instances of tympanic/meatal granulations, tympanomeatal flap issues, or meatal stenosis were observed.

Conclusions:

  • Omitting post-operative ear canal packing appears safe in pediatric ear surgery.
  • Abandoning ear packing can reduce operating time and eliminate the discomfort and anxiety of pack removal.
  • This practice is particularly beneficial for children, avoiding potential repeat anesthesia for pack removal.
Abstract

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