Sequelae of ventilation tubes following tonsillectomy

Summary

The insertion of middle ear ventilation tubes results in persistent scarring in a significant number of the tympanic membranes incised. The present study was done in order to compare the occurrences of tympanic membrane sequelae following ventilation tube insertions in a group of patients with intact tonsils with that of a tonsillectomized group. The study population had been treated with ventilation tubes 3–5 years previously because of middle ear effusions. A total of 104 patients were re-examined (follow-up rate, 85%). Otomicroscopy was performed by examiners who had no prior knowledge of the patient's past history of ear disease or treatment. The results were categorized by a simplified scoring system. It was found that 60% of the tympanic membranes showed pars tensa abnormalities outside the previous site of the tube. The occurrence of pars tensa tympanosclerosis was more prevalent in tonsillectomized patients. This latter observation is probably a secondary occurrence. However, the high incidence of sequelae following insertions of ventilation tubes calls for their restricted usage.