Follow-up of 366 ears after tympanostomy tube insertion: Why is it draining?

OBJECTIVE: Tympanostomy tube insertion is one of the most frequently performed procedures in otolaryngology. Complications, such as otorrhea, tympanosclerosis, and cholesteatoma, have been reported in the literature after its application. STUDY DESIGN: This study reports the complications encountered with 239 children (439 ears) with a follow-up of 7 to 73 months (median, 29 months) after tympanostomy tube insertion. Hearing results and middle ear pressures were compared and complications were noted in 366 ears that were available for the study. RESULTS: Otorrhea developed in 3 (0.8%) cases. Tympanosclerosis was seen in 74 (20.2%) cases. Tympanic membrane perforation, retraction pocket, granulation tissue, and atelectasis were seen in 4.6%, 5.2%, 1.1%, and 6%, respectively. No patients developed cholesteatoma after tube insertion. Hearing results were improved postoperatively in 93.4% of patients (median, 14.2 dB) and worse in 6.6% of patients (median, 8.3 dB). The average extrusion time was 7.3 months for grommet and 16.3 months for T-tubes. CONCLUSION: Multifactor etiologies show some unsolved or misunderstood underlying pathology, or unmentioned environmental factor such as atopy due to rich flora and humidity might exist to consider in the pathophysiology of the otorrhea.