Cholesteatoma and chronic otitis media following middle ear intubation

As in any surgical procedure, complications can occur following middle ear intubation for secretory otitis media or atelectasis. Serial Kodachrome studies of the middle ear demonstrate the types of lesions that occur and the methods used to correct them. Chronic otitis media in the form of chronic granulomas or perforations are relatively simple problems that are easily corrected. Cholesteatomas can arise from intubation either by formation of atelectatic pockets following extrusion of the tube or from ingrowth of the surface epithelium of the tympanic membrane onto the medial surface of the tympanic membrane. These lesions often require surgical correction. Middle ear intubation should not be done indiscriminately, and prolonged follow-up of patients is mandatory for the early detection of complications.