Indications for tympanostomy tube insertion in children

Introduction. Tympanostomy tube insertion is one of the basic paediatric otolaryngological procedures. Otitis media with effusion (OME) is the primary indication for elective qualification for this procedure. Currently, there are no recommendations suggesting pharmacotherapy for effusion. In cases of recurrent otitis media or acute complications of otitis media, tube insertion is a method of choice to support systemic antibiotic therapy. Aim. The main aim of this study was to evaluate indications for tympanostomy tube insertion. Secondary aims included characteristics of the study population and an intraoperative assessment of the tympanic membrane. Material and methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of ear tube placement procedures performed in the Department of Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology of the Medical University of Warsaw between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018. Results. A total of 213 children (aged between 2 months and 18 years) underwent tympanostomy tube insertion and a total of 368 tubes were placed due to otitis media with effusion in 2018 in the Department of Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology of the Medical University of Warsaw. Elective tube insertion accounted for 69.48% of procedures. Recurrent otitis media (22.07%), complications of acute otitis media and, most of all, acute mastoiditis (23.33% of urgent procedures) came second. In a large majority of cases, Mikolow tympanostomy tubes were placed; in isolated cases, long-term tympanostomy tubes were used (14 T-tubes, 7 Paparella tubes). Mucous effusion dominated (62.44%). Ear tube placement alone was performed in more than half of cases (62.44%), while in 1/3 of patients the procedure was combined with adenoidectomy. Microscopically confirmed tympanic lesions indicative of advanced inflammation were found in 28 patients (13.14%). Conclusions. Although commonly accepted, tympanostomy tube insertion is not devoid of negative consequences. Possible complications include persistent tympanic perforation, tympanosclerosis, premature extrusion of an ear tube, ear discharge, tube obstruction and, in some cases, the need for surgical tube removal. Therefore, the procedure requires permanent and systematic otolaryngological care.