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Tympanostomy tubes and early post-operative otorrhea
J B Kinsella1, J Fenton, M J Donnelly
1Department of Otolaryngology, National Children's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|August 1, 1994
Summary
This study found that the non-touch technique for tympanostomy tube insertion has a low incidence of otorrhea, similar to the standard technique. Therefore, extensive sterile precautions may not be necessary for this common procedure.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Otorrhea is a known complication following tympanostomy tube insertion.
- Surgical contamination or pre-existing middle ear conditions can cause otorrhea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the non-touch technique in reducing postoperative otorrhea after tympanostomy tube insertion.
- To compare the incidence of otorrhea between the non-touch technique and a standard touched technique.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 66 children undergoing tympanostomy tube insertion.
- One ear received a tube via the non-touch method; the contralateral ear served as a touched control.
Main Results:
- Postoperative otorrhea within 10 days occurred in 1.67% of non-touch ears and 1.67% of control ears.
- The study demonstrated a low incidence of early postoperative otorrhea with both techniques.
Conclusions:
- The non-touch technique is as effective as the standard technique in preventing early postoperative otorrhea.
- Extensive sterile precautions may be unnecessary for tympanostomy tube insertion, potentially reducing procedure time and cost.