Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 5, 2025

Robot-Assisted Transcanal Endoscopic Ear Surgery for Congenital Cholesteatoma
02:37

Robot-Assisted Transcanal Endoscopic Ear Surgery for Congenital Cholesteatoma

Published on: December 15, 2023

883

Tympanostomy tubes in the age of quarantine

Nicola M Pereira1, Alison M Maresh1, Vikash K Modi1

  • 1Weill Cornell Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, USA.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|January 29, 2022
PubMed

Insights

COVID-19 quarantine significantly reduced the need for tympanostomy tube (TT) placement in children with middle ear issues. Many children with acute otitis media (AOM) or otitis media with effusion (OME) resolved their conditions during home quarantine.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread home-quarantine measures.
  • Pediatric otolaryngologists observed a decrease in tympanostomy tube (TT) placements for acute otitis media (AOM) and otitis media with effusion (OME) post-quarantine.
  • The impact of these quarantine measures on the surgical indications for pediatric middle ear conditions remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of home quarantine on pediatric patients with recurrent AOM and OME.
  • To understand the resolution rates of AOM and OME in children after a period of quarantine.
  • To analyze changes in TT surgical volumes before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of pediatric patients scheduled for TT placement.
  • Analysis of procedure cancellations due to COVID-19.
  • Comparison of surgical indications before and after quarantine using chi-square tests.
  • Assessment of TT procedure volumes pre- and post-pandemic.

Main Results:

  • 31.0% of patients who returned for follow-up after quarantine still met indications for TT placement.
  • Among those requiring surgery, persistent OME (76.9%), recurrent AOM (61.5%), and conductive hearing loss (69.2%) were common.
  • A significant decrease in TT procedures was observed post-pandemic compared to pre-pandemic volumes.

Conclusions:

  • Home quarantine led to the resolution of AOM and OME in a substantial number of pediatric patients.
  • TT surgical volumes remain lower than pre-pandemic levels, even after surgical recovery.
  • Lingering effects of COVID-19 precautionary measures may contribute to the sustained reduction in TT procedures.
Abstract

Keywords:
Acute otitis mediaCOVID-19Chronic middle ear effusionsTympanostomy tubes

More Related Videos

Endoscopic Cholesteatoma Surgery08:47

Endoscopic Cholesteatoma Surgery

Published on: January 19, 2022

10.9K
Transcanalicular Diode Laser-assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy for the Treatment of Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction07:30

Transcanalicular Diode Laser-assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy for the Treatment of Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

Published on: October 13, 2017

11.2K

Related Concept Videos

Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes01:28

Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes

A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening into the trachea, typically at the second or third cartilaginous ring level. This opening allows the insertion of a tracheostomy tube, which can replace an endotracheal tube, provide mechanical ventilation, bypass an upper airway obstruction, or remove accumulated tracheobronchial secretions.
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
1.4K
Tracheostomy Decannulation01:21

Tracheostomy Decannulation

Tracheostomy decannulation is a significant milestone in the liberation of mechanically ventilated patients. Despite its importance, there is no universally accepted protocol for this procedure. This demands an evidence-based, individualized approach.
Description of the Procedure
Decannulation refers to the permanent removal of the tracheostomy tube, signaling the resolution of the condition that initially necessitated the tracheostomy. The process requires a well-coordinated interplay between...
460
Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece01:23

Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece

Oxygen delivery is critical in clinical care, especially for patients with respiratory disorders or those undergoing surgical procedures. Various systems, such as tracheostomy and the T-piece, deliver oxygen to the lungs, ensuring adequate arterial oxygenation.
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in the anterior part of the trachea. It is used to establish a patient airway, bypass an upper airway obstruction, simplify the removal of secretions, permit long-term...
2.7K
Tracheostomy Care I: Pre-procedural Steps01:16

Tracheostomy Care I: Pre-procedural Steps

A tracheostomy is a surgical technique that involves making an incision in the neck to provide access to the trachea. It is frequently used in medical conditions such as airway obstruction and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Effective nursing management is crucial for the long-term success of a tracheostomy.
Required Equipment
The equipment necessary for tracheostomy care includes:
424
Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure01:25

Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure

Tracheostomy care is an essential nursing skill that involves cleaning and maintaining a tracheostomy tube to prevent infection and other complications. Here's a step-by-step guide explaining each procedure with its rationale. Note that disposable gloves are to be worn at all times and changed as often as needed to maintain a sterile work environment, and to protect both patient and healthcare worker.
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask...
508
Tracheostomy Suctioning II: Procedure01:23

Tracheostomy Suctioning II: Procedure

Tracheostomy suctioning is a vital nursing procedure that involves removing secretions from the tracheostomy tube to maintain airway patency and prevent respiratory complications. Nurses need to understand the proper technique for tracheostomy suctioning to ensure patient safety and comfort. In this guide, we will outline the step-by-step process for performing tracheostomy suctioning, including preparing the sterile field, donning personal protective equipment (PPE), lubricating and connecting...
683