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Published on: February 29, 2020
Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty in children
A Leichtle1, D Hollfelder2, B Wollenberg2
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany. Anke.Leichtle@uksh.de.
Endonasal balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube (BET) effectively treats chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction in children, improving symptoms and quality of life. This safe and promising method offers a valuable second-line treatment option when other therapies fail.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Otology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) significantly impacts children's quality of life.
- Endonasal balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube (BET) shows promise for adult ETD.
- Limited studies exist on BET's efficacy in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of BET in children with chronic obstructive ETD resistant to conventional therapies.
- To assess the safety and effectiveness of BET as a second-line treatment in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 52 children undergoing BET between April 2011 and April 2016.
- Pre- and post-BET assessment included audiometry, tympanometry, tubomanometry, and the Lübecker questionnaire.
- Combined procedures (paracentesis, tympanoplasty) were performed in a subset of patients.
Main Results:
- BET improved ear pressure, hearing loss, daily life limitations, and patient satisfaction.
- Objective measures like tubomanometry and tympanometry showed positive outcomes.
- The procedure was well-tolerated, with no major adverse events reported.
Conclusions:
- Endonasal balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube is a safe and effective treatment for chronic ETD in children.
- BET serves as a promising second-line option for pediatric patients who have not responded to adenotomy, paracentesis, or grommets.
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