Complications and sequelae following tympanostomy tube placement in children with effusion otitis media: Single center experience and review of literature

Introduction: Ventilating tube insertion is regarded as an effective and safe treatment for otitis media with effusion. Even though considered a simple procedure, tympanostomy tube insertion may present undesirable consequences. The study aimed to know the incidence of middle ear sequelae and complications in children with persistent odds media with effusion treated by ventilating tube insertion. Materials and methods: We enrolled 116 ears of 68 children, 40 male (58.8%), and 28 females (41.7%). The mean age was 5,7 +/- 2,06 years. We evaluated perioperative, early, and late post-operative events with clinical examination, audiometric, and tympanometric tests. Results: The mean extrusion time for S-VT was 938 +/- 6.50 months (range I to 24 months). Post-operative hearing level was average as 20 dB or better in 54/58 ears (93.1%), exchanged in 2 ears (3.4 %), worsened in 2 ears (3.4%); impedance profiles were type A for 93 ears (80.1%), type B for 4 ears (3.4), type C for 16 ears (13.7%) and not executable (residual tympanic perforation) for 3 ears (2.5%). Conclusion: The present study shows a lower incidence of complications and sequelae than in the literature, particularly regarding otorrhea. Factors contributing to the low incidence were patient's age at the time of the initial tube placement, concurrent adenoidectomy, type of ventilation tube, duration of the ventilation tube, regular follow-up by the same otologist, and strict water precautions