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[Surgery of chronic suppurative otitis media in childhood]
1HNO-Klinik Ruhr-Universität Bochum, St. Elisabeth-Hospital.
Insights
Surgery for pediatric ear perforations can prevent hearing loss and allow children to swim and play sports. Delaying tympanoplasty is advised for poor cooperation or if secretory otitis media suggests impaired Eustachian tube function.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
Context:
- Recurrent ear perforations affect 9.1% of children under 14.
- Otitis of the ossicles and cholesteatoma are less common in children than adults.
Purpose:
- Discuss surgical indications for pediatric ear perforations.
- Analyze factors influencing surgical outcomes, including tubal function.
Summary:
- Surgery aims to prevent ossicular destruction and improve hearing.
- Children can resume swimming and sports post-surgery without ear protection.
- Tympanoplasty may be delayed due to patient cooperation or contralateral secretory otitis media indicating poor Eustachian tube function.
Impact:
- Optimizing surgical timing improves outcomes for pediatric ear conditions.
- Early intervention prevents long-term hearing impairment and complications.
- Enhanced quality of life for children with improved ear health and fewer restrictions.
Abstract:
In this review the indications for surgery are discussed, based on the literature and own publications. In 185 ears of children up to 14 years, 9.1% recurrent perforations were found. Otitis of the ossicles is rarer than in adults and in cholesteatoma in children. Tubal function seems to influence the results. These factors are discussed. Surgery is indicated to improve and to prevent ossicular destruction; furthermore, the children are able to participate in swimming and sports without ear protection. Delay of tympanoplasty is recommended if bad cooperation makes pre- and postoperative treatment difficult, and in cases where a secretory otitis media on the contralateral ear indicates poor tubal function. A persisting perforation after extrusion of a grommet should not be closed immediately.