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Ventilation tubes, swimming and otorrhoea: a New Zealand perspective
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Christchurch Hospital.
Objects:
To compare advice given by specialist otolaryngologists to patients following ventilation tube insertion and the management of purulent otorrhoea in these patients.
Methods:
A postal questionnaire was sent to all 59 specialists currently listed in the New Zealand Otolaryngology Specialist Register.
Results:
96.5% of specialist otolaryngologists replied, 88% in sufficient detail for analysis in this study. The vast majority (96%) allowed patients to swim with tubes in situ, and all allowed hair washing. Advice for ear protection varied. If otorrhoea develops with ventilation tubes in situ, 90% of specialists advise patients to stop swimming, but allow hair washing to continue with ear protection. Ninety percent of specialists' initial treatment of otorrhoea involves a combination of suction toilet and topical steroid/antibiotic drops.
Conclusion:
In general, specialist otolaryngologists in New Zealand give similar advice to patients with ventilation tubes. However, the specific methods of ear protection advised when swimming and hair washing varies markedly.
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