The case for balloon eustachian tuboplasty in children

Balloon dilation of the cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian tube has increasingly gained acceptance among otolaryngologists in the treatment of obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction. There is however little data on the procedure performed in children. The purpose of this study is to review the recent developments regarding balloon dilation in pediatric patients.

Balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube is safe in pediatric patients. The effects of the procedure are durable during long term follow-up. Diagnosing obstructive dysfunction remains challenging. There is no single test or questionnaire for diagnosing the condition; instead a series of appropriate tests should be used. The pediatric Eustachian tube is very responsive to the effects of balloon dilation. While the treatment is effective, overtreatment can have unwanted results such as patulous symptoms. Reducing the time of dilation should therefore be considered.

Otolaryngologists performing the procedure should be familiar with the effects of balloon dilation on the pediatric Eustachian tube and consider altering the duration of dilation accordingly. Further studies are needed especially regarding patient selection, optimal age for dilation and balloon parameters for pediatrics (e.g. dimensions, inflation duration, inflation pressure).