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Tympanic membrane perforation following ventilation tube removal in a pediatric setting: a historical study
P R Solomon1, M J Lax, A J Smitheringale
1Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Insights
This study examined tympanic membrane perforation rates after ventilation tube removal. Of 203 ears studied, 10.3% experienced perforation, indicating a notable risk following this common pediatric procedure.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Medical Device Complications
Background:
- Ventilation tubes are frequently inserted in children to manage middle ear effusions.
- The surgical removal of these tubes is a common procedure.
- Potential complications, such as tympanic membrane perforation, require careful evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of tympanic membrane perforation after the surgical removal of ventilation tubes.
- To assess the rate of this complication in a pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patients undergoing ventilation tube removal between 1982 and 1991.
- Inclusion criteria: ventilation tube removal and a minimum six-month follow-up.
- Study population: 203 ears from patients aged 2-13 years.
Main Results:
- A total of 203 ears were analyzed.
- Twenty-one ears (10.3%) showed documented tympanic membrane perforations post-removal.
- The mean age of patients was 4.7 years.
Conclusions:
- Surgical removal of ventilation tubes is associated with a 10.3% rate of tympanic membrane perforation in children.
- This finding highlights a significant complication risk that warrants consideration in pediatric otologic surgery.
Abstract:
This study is concerned with the rate of tympanic membrane perforation following the surgical removal of ventilation tubes. Consideration for inclusion in the study was given to all patients who had ventilation tubes surgically removed between 1982 and 1991 at The Hospital for Sick Children. All patients included in the study were followed for a minimum period of six months. The patients ranged in age from two to 13 years old, with a mean age of 4.7 years. Our study followed 203 ears which met the entry criteria. It was found that there were 21 (10.3%) documented perforations within this study group.