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How long do tympanostomy ventilation tubes last in pediatric patients with otitis media with effusion or adhesion? A
Shintaro Otsuka1, Ryusuke Imai2, Takefumi Kamakura3
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, 840 Murodocho, Izumi, Osaka, 594-1101, Japan; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Nara City Hospital, 1-50-1 Higashikideracho, Nara, Nara, 630-8305, Japan.
Insights
Tympanostomy ventilation tubes for otitis media with effusion (OME) in children showed a 51.7% survival rate at 22 months. While tympanic membrane perforation was low (8.5%), OME recurrence was high (56.3%) after tube removal.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Otitis media with effusion (OME) is common in children.
- Tympanostomy ventilation tubes are a standard treatment for persistent OME.
- Evaluating tube function and complications is crucial for optimizing pediatric ear care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the functional duration and survival rates of tympanostomy ventilation tubes in pediatric patients with OME.
- To analyze complications, including recurrence of OME and tympanic membrane perforation, post-tube removal or extrusion.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 447 ears in 234 pediatric patients (<15 years) who received Goode T-tubes for OME.
- Data collected from April 2014 to March 2016 at a dedicated pediatric hospital.
- Analysis included tube duration, survival at 22 months ('full-term placement'), and rates of OME recurrence and tympanic perforation.
Main Results:
- The survival rate of tympanostomy tubes at 22 months (full-term placement) was 51.7%.
- The recurrence rate of OME was 56.3%.
- The rate of tympanic membrane perforation after tube removal or extrusion was 8.5%.
Conclusions:
- Approximately half of the tympanostomy ventilation tubes remained functional for 22 months.
- While tympanic membrane perforation rates were low, OME recurrence remains a significant challenge in over half of the cases.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional duration and survival rate of tympanostomy ventilation tubes and the complications associated with their use in pediatric patients who underwent tube insertion for otitis media with effusion (OME). Complications were analyzed including recurrence and tympanic membrane perforation after the tube removal or extrusion.
Methods:
Altogether, 447 ears from 234 pediatric patients younger than 15 years of age were studied retrospectively. All patients had undergone long-term tympanostomy ventilation tube: the Goode T-tube insertion for OME at the Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, which is the pediatrics specialty hospital between April 2014 and March 2016. They were typically followed up every 3-4 months or more frequently if necessary due to otorrhea or tube infection. Subsequently, the tube duration, survival rates of the tube especially at 22 months after insertion defined as "full-term placement", and the rates of recurrence and perforation were calculated and statistically evaluated.
Results:
Of 447 ears, 335 ears from 184 patients underwent their first tube insertion, and 112 ears from 64 patients underwent their second or subsequent tube insertion within the targeted period. Two hundred ears from 106 patients were associated with a cleft palate. The survival rate at full-term placement was 51.7%. The recurrence rate was 56.3%, and the rate of the tympanic perforation was 8.5%.
Conclusions:
Approximately half of the tubes survived for 22 months. The perforation rate was relatively low; however, recurrence of OME was seen in more than half the ears.
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