Middle ear ventilation in conjunction with adenotonsillectomy

Abstract

If the tonsils and adenoids are causing eustachian tube dysfunction with middle ear effusion, the need for a ventilation tube at the time of the T&A and myringotomy is unresolved. Thirty-one patients with bilateral symmetrical middle ear effusion had T&A and myringotomies. In one ear, a ventilation tube was inserted; the other ear acted as a control. In addition to the clinical impressions, preoperative and serial postoperative audiograms and tympanograms are compared through a 12-month time frame. Discussion is presented regarding middle ventilation at the time of the primary operation.