title: Myringotomy and ventilation tubes: a report of 1,568 ears.
abstract: We reviewed the records of all patients who had a myringotomy and insertion of a ventilation tube at Otologic Medical Group during a 6-year period; there were 2,266 intubations on 1,568 ears. Uncomplicated serous otitis media was the indication in 1.055 ears; 19% developed brief episodes of otorrhea. Persistent otorrhea necessitated tube removal in 9 ears, all but 2 of which became dry. These 2 patients required mastoid surgery. We conclude that myringotomy and insertion of a ventilation tube in serous otitis media is associated with infrequent complications, and these complications are probably related more to the underlying disease process than to the ventilation tube.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000758:Anesthesia; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008876:Middle Ear Ventilation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D009225:Myringoplasty / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications