Long-term ventilation of the middle ear. An up date.
This study shows that with minor surgical intervention, far-advanced seemingly irreversible pathology in the middle ear and mastoid cavities can be withheld and almost completely resolved. Immediately following institution of the therapy air-bone gap is closed and optimal hearing is secured. This approach if persistently employed early enough may render many complicated, difficult major surgical procedures unnecessary. It is preferable and easier both for the patient and for the surgeon to 'permanently' ventilate the tympanic cavity and prevent the deterioration to adhesive otitis and cholesteatoma, than to correct this with intricate surgery that is not fail-proof and has many inherent risks.
D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008876:Middle Ear Ventilation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors