title: Comparison of the Goode T-tube with the Armstrong tube in children with chronic otitis media with effusion.
abstract: Treatment of otitis media with effusion is focused on reaeration of the middle ear cavity. In achieving long-term aeration, the insertion of ventilation tubes that have a long duration of stay can be beneficial. The results are presented of a trial in which the Goode T-tube was compared with the Armstrong tube. Fifteen children were treated between 1981 and 1986 with a T-tube in one ear and a conventional tube in the other. The results are different with regard to duration of stay in the tympanic membrane. Re-insertions were necessary in 47 per cent in the Armstrong group and in 20 per cent in the T-tube group. Otorrhoea occurred in 20 per cent of the Armstrong and 13 per cent of the T-tube intubated ears. A persistent perforation was present in 6 per cent of the ears in both groups. It is concluded that the Goode T-tube is indicated primarily in cases when long-term ventilation is needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
authors.forename: E W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Wielinga
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Smyth
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008876:Middle Ear Ventilation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D013997:Time Factors