A rare complication of use of the middle ear ventilation tube (PVC)

HNO
|March 1, 1977
PubMed

Insights

Purulent otitis media occurred in 2.2% of patients after middle ear ventilation tube insertion. Tube removal effectively resolved infections and closed perforations, suggesting polyvinylchloride may cause adverse reactions.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Middle ear ventilation tubes are commonly used to treat otitis media.
  • Post-operative infections can complicate ventilation tube insertion.
  • The etiology of purulent otitis media following ventilation tube placement requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence of purulent otitis media after middle ear ventilation tube insertion.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of conservative treatment versus tube removal for post-operative infections.
  • To explore potential causes of these infections.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 226 patients undergoing middle ear ventilation tube insertion.
  • Documentation of post-operative purulent otitis media incidence.
  • Comparison of treatment outcomes for conservative management and tube explantation.

Main Results:

  • Purulent otitis media was observed in 2.2% of patients (5 out of 226).
  • Conservative treatment with the tube in situ rarely led to cure.
  • Removal of the ventilation tube resulted in prompt infection resolution and perforation closure.

Conclusions:

  • Purulent otitis media is a potential complication following middle ear ventilation tube insertion.
  • Ventilation tube removal is an effective treatment for post-operative purulent otitis media.
  • Adverse reactions to polyvinylchloride of the ventilation tube are a possible causative factor.

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