Treatment with sulfur hexafluoride in children with serous otitis media. An alternative to tubulation

In this pilot study, sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), a nontoxic inert gas infused into the ear during myringotomy and acting as a gas cushion behind an intact eardrum, was tested on five children with bilateral serous otitis media. The contralateral ear was treated with air as a control. A significant difference in air-bone gaps (frequencies, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 kHz) lasting at least eight weeks was found between the ears treated with SF6 and the air-treated ears. No side effects were noted. Tympanograms showed varying patterns. The long-term effects were also favorable for the SF6-treated ears. In selected cases, eg, ears with thin scars and retractions, this might be a valuable alternative to tubulation. Further studies are being carried out.