The value of politzerization in the treatment of atelectatic ears

The value of Politzerization as a method of treatment in atelectatic ears and secretory otitis media is controversial. In some places it has been used routinely for decades, in others it has been almost forgotten. A quantitative study of its therapeutic value has been difficult to find. The present study is an attempt to evaluate the therapeutic value of such an 'air douche' in atelectatic ears. Thirteen middle ears with atelectasis were Politzerized daily with air or N2 for up to five consecutive days. Once Politzerized, the atelectasis and retraction pockets disappeared in all the ears examined. However, continuous observation of the Politzerized ears with the surgical microscope revealed that all the ear drums returned swiftly to their retracted position. The time it took for a drum to return to its original place varied from 15 minutes up to a maximum of 335 minutes. Our observations show that even an increased number of Politzerizations did not alter the speed of reappearance of the atelectasis. It would therefore seem that the therapeutic value of Politzerization in atelectatic ears is doubtful.