[The evolution of otitis media with effusion treated by transtympanic drainage]

One hundred sixty children with effusive otitis media who did not improve with medical treatment were reviewed. The evolution and complications observed in 294 ears treated by myringotomy and ventilation tubes (grommets) over a three-year period were analyzed. Otorrhea occurred during grommet placement in 11.6%. The disease remitted in 84%. Recurrences occurred in 15.3%: 4.8% had different degrees of tympanic atelectasia and 0.7% had perforation. Three per cent of the children were reoperated for bilateral recurrence of otitis. Younger children and those whose had delayed surgery had a worse outcome. Insertion of ear grommets improved hearing.