Ear discharge after insertion of transmyringeal tubes

The peroperative bacteriology and cytology of the middle ear have been studied in 103 ears in 65 children operated on due to longstanding secretory otitis media. Within one month postoperatively, 12 ears (12%) showed signs of infection with discharge from the tube. Ten out of these 12 ears showed peroperative growth of Hemophilus influenzae, Branhamella catarrhalis, pneumococci or staphylococci in the middle ear effusions, a significant difference compared to ears without postoperative discharge. The peroperative cytological evaluation of the middle ear effusions from 10 out of the 12 patients with postoperative ear discharge showed presence of phagocytes as a sign of infection. It is concluded that pre-existing bacteria in the middle ear effusion of patients with longstanding secretory otitis media might increase the risk of postoperative infection within the first month after insertion of transmyringeal tubes.