title: The long-term results of the treatment with transtympanic ventilation tubes in children with chronic secretory otitis media.
abstract: In the present report we discuss the short-term and long-term results of treatment with transtympanic ventilation tubes in 140 children with chronic secretory otitis media. Important findings are: after 6 months only 40% and after 12 months only 5% of the inserted grommets are still draining. A good clinical result is obtained in 72% after 6 months, and in 52% after 12 months. With a long follow-up, up to 10 years, 71% of the children suffering from chronic secretory otitis media and treated with grommets, can be considered as cured, with or without a small complication. The poorest results are obtained after a follow-up of 2-3 years. Children under 7 years have a better prognosis than older children. There is also a better prognosis in children with serous effusions than in those with a glue ear. We noticed very few complications in our treatment with grommets: no sensorineural hearing loss and a persisting perforation in 2% of the treated ears.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000601:surgery*; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D014432:Tympanic Membrane / Q000601:surgery*