Tympanostomy Tube Insertion: Anterosuperior vs. Anteroinferior Quadrant

Abstract

We studied the extrusion rate of Paparella type I tympanostomy tubes in the anterosuperior quadrant compared to those placed in the anteroinferior quadrant in a prospective study. Thirty-five patients were evaluated. The duration (mean +/- SEM) in the anteroinferior quadrant was 211 +/- 18 days, whereas the duration in the anterosuperior quadrant was 211 +/- 11 days. We conclude that placement in the anterosuperior quadrant does not prolong duration of these tympanostomy tubes.