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Forgotten T-tube in the middle ear
Muhammad Shakeel1, Aaron Trinidade, Imran Khan
1Department of ENT, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom. drshakeel@doctors.org.uk
Summary
T-tube migration into the middle ear cleft is a rare complication. This case highlights the importance of considering T-tube retention in patients with otological symptoms and prior T-tube insertion, even with an intact eardrum.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Medical Device Complications
Background:
- T-tubes (tympanostomy tubes) are commonly used to treat middle ear effusions.
- Complications, though infrequent, can arise from their presence and management.
Observation:
- A 40-year-old female patient with Kartagener's Syndrome presented with right ear hearing loss.
- A previously inserted Goode T-tube was found retained within the middle ear cleft, posterior to an intact tympanic membrane.
Findings:
- Surgical removal of the retained T-tube was successfully performed via myringotomy.
- A new tympanostomy tube was subsequently re-inserted.
Implications:
- Middle ear T-tube retention is an uncommon but significant complication.
- Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for T-tube migration in patients with otological complaints and a history of T-tube use, irrespective of tympanic membrane integrity.
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