Treatment Outcome of Laser Tympanostomy with Ventilation Tube Insertion under Topical Anesthesia

Lee, Chang Ho; Choo, Kyo Bum; Lee, Kon Ik; Ro, Kye Youn; Hong, Seok Chan

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
This study is to find out whether laser tympanostomy (LT) with tympanostomy tube (TT) insertion has some potential role for the treatment of children with chronic otitis media with effusion (OME) under the topical anesthesia. SUBJECTIVES AND METHOD: We prospectively enrolled 89 OME children (2-7 yrs old, 139 ears) for LT with TT insertion under topical anesthesia. Following LT, TT insertion was done if the middle ear effusion was mucoid or if middle ear mucosa was inflammed, or if the child had poor prognostic factors. RESULTS: Ninety-four ears (68%) had mucoid effusion, 18 ears (13%) serous effusion, 11 ears (8%) purulent effusion, and 16 ears (12%) were dry. It was determined that TT insertion was not necessary in 26 ears (19%). TT insertion into the laser tympanostomy opening was tried on the other 113 ears. TT insertion had a success rate of 81% (91/113). After 3 months of follow-up, LT that did not need TT insertion showed 81% (21 ears) resolution rate. Therefore, the total efficacy of LT with TT insertion under topical anesthesia was 85%. CONCLUSION: Laser tympanostomy with TT insertion resulted in increased efficacy. Also, compared to knife myringotomy, it seems to have a potential role for lowering the age group of OME children whom can be managed under topical anesthesia.