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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.
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.
Although a temporary solution, surgical ventilation tube placement in the ear drum has also proven to be an effective treatment option. This treatment is known as either a unilateral or bilateral myringotomy. 50% of patients reported relief of patulous Eustachian tube symptoms when given this treatment. [15]
There may be early drainage through the tube (tube otorrhea) in about 15% of patients in the first two weeks after placement, and developing in 25% more than three months after insertion, although usually not a longterm problem. [18] Otorrhea is considered to be secondary to bacterial colonization.
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 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 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.