Late results of treatment with ventilation tubes for secretory otitis media in ENT practice

Ventilation tubes were inserted in 262 children aged 0-9 years for secretory otitis media in the period 1975-78. Treatment according to earlier described procedures during the intubation period, including a final check 3 months and 1 year after extrusion, were done. If recurrences were observed, retubulation was performed. 191 patients (73% (355 ears] have been re-evaluated in February, 1986, to February, 1987, mean observation period 7 1/2 years. Clinical information was obtained. Otomicroscopy, including pneumatic otoscopy, impedance and pure-tone audiometry, has been carried out. Flaccida retractions of varying degree were present in 21% of the ears. Atrophic scars were present in 28%; no case of complete atelectasis was found. Perforations were seen in 2%. Myringosclerosis was seen in 48%. No cholesteatoma or meningitis was found or reported in the entire material. 99% had a pure-tone average (500, 1,000, and 2,000 Hz) of 20 dB-HL or less (5 dB, 60%). Treatment with a ventilation tube seems to give the least complications when installed early in life. The importance of careful follow-up is emphasized. We recommend otomicroscopy at each control check, especially 3 months and 1 year after extrusion.