[Value of laser CO2 myringotomy in the treatment of seromucous otitis]

To date serous otitis media is usually treated by surgical setting of ventilating tubes. This technique provides good results on auditory acuity, however, complications such as chronic otorrhea, tympanosclerosis and tympanic perforation are rather frequently encountered. We present the results of our technique for treatment of serous otitis media consisting in a CO2 laser myringotomy. This technique was applied in 20 consecutive adult ears. The operatory microscope was connected with a co-axial CO2 laser device. The 20 myringotomies performed without insertion of ventilating tubes by this technique were all closed after 4 weeks with an average closing time of 17 days with no complications. In 60% of the cases, the serous otitis media was cured after a period of three months. CO2 laser myringotomy is a valuable alternative technique in the treatment of serous otitis media.