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Otorrhea (ear discharge) is the most common complication of tympanostomy tube placement, affecting between 25–75% of children receiving this procedure. [2] [6] [9] [10] Saline washouts and antibiotic drops at the time of surgery are effective measures to reduce rates of otorrhea, which is why antibiotic ear drops are not routinely prescribed.
General anesthesia is preferred in children, while local anesthesia suffices for adults. The ear is washed and a small incision made in the eardrum. Any fluid that is present is then aspirated, the tube of choice inserted, and the ear packed with cotton to control any slight bleeding that might occur.
Long term otitis media (or 'glue ear') [2] Insertion of a tympanostomy tube. [4] [5] [6] If aspiration is performed as part of the insertion, the risk of tympanosclerosis occurring increases. [7] Risk also increases if a larger tube is used, [8] or if the procedure is repeated. [9] Atherosclerosis [10]
Eustachian tube dysfunction can be caused by a number of factors. Some common causes include the flu, allergies, a cold, and sinus infections. [6] In patients with chronic ear disease such as cholesteatoma and chronic discharge, studies showed that they have obstructive pathology at the ear side of the Eustachian tube.
Secondary ear pain is a type of referred pain, meaning that the source of the pain differs from the location where the pain is felt. Primary ear pain is more common in children, whereas secondary (referred) pain is more common in adults. [13] Primary ear pain is most commonly caused by infection or injury to one of the parts of the ear. [3]
The most common procedure is a myringotomy, a small incision in the tympanic membrane (eardrum), or the insertion of a tympanostomy tube into the eardrum. [9] These serve to drain the pus from the middle ear, helping to treat the infection. The tube is extruded spontaneously after a few weeks to months, and the incision heals naturally.
The Eustachian tube (/ j uː ˈ s t eɪ ʃ ən /), also called the auditory tube or pharyngotympanic tube, [1] is a tube that links the nasopharynx to the middle ear, of which it is also a part. In adult humans, the Eustachian tube is approximately 35 mm (1.4 in) long and 3 mm (0.12 in) in diameter. [ 2 ]
The surgery takes 1 ⁄ 2 to 1 hour if done through the ear canal and 1 + 1 ⁄ 2 to 2 hours if an incision is needed. It is done under local or general anesthesia . It is done on an inpatient or day case basis and is successful 85–90% of the time.