Long-term ventilation of the middle ear using a tympanotomy technique

Abstract

The technique of long-term middle ear ventilation using a tympanotomy technique is presented. This has proved successful in the management of persistent middle ear effusion despite numerous previous short- and intermediate-term tympanic membrane ventilation tubes. The technique is particularly appropriate in the presence of severe tympanosclerosis as a result of previous tympanostomy tubes, posterior tympanic membrane collapse and adhesion, and atelectasis.