Prevalence of complications associated with tympanostomy tube insertion

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and difficulties during surgery of tympanostomy tube (TT) insertion, complications after surgery, and modalities for management.BackgroundIn view of the high incidence of otitis media with effusion in children and the fact that TT is one of its major treatments, we decided to conduct the present observational study.Patients and methodsThis study included 220 patients with persistent otitis media with effusion after failed medical treatment for 3 months. All patients underwent TT insertion either unilateral or bilateral in 378 operated ears.ResultsThere were 198 problems detected in 378 operated ears. The difficulties during insertion of TT were observed in 82 ears. The most common was the thick mucoid discharge (P = 0.10), followed by the narrow external auditory canals (P = 0.005). Early complications were observed in 42 ears. The most common was early otorrhea (P = 0.03), followed by early extrusion (P < 0.001). Late complications were detected in 74 ears - for example, plugged tubes (P = 0.77) and recurrence of effusion (P = 0.01).ConclusionTT insertion is a temporary procedure performed until the Eustachian tube function returns to its normal function; however, this procedure has many problems during and after insertion. Difficulties of insertion and late side effects are common problems that can be anticipated in nearly one-fifth of the cases. Therefore, ORL surgeons must be aware of the type of difficulty and its management before performing the surgery.