Complications of tympanostomy tubes inserted for facilitation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To document the incidence of complications occurring secondary to placement of tympanostomy tubes in patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review.


METHODS
Tertiary referral center.


METHODS
Forty-five patients referred to the Department of Otolaryngology for inability to tolerate hyperbaric oxygen therapy between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 1995.


METHODS
All patients underwent bilateral myringotomy and tube placement.


METHODS
Charts were reviewed for complications of tube placement, including otorrhea, otalgia, hearing loss, persistent perforations, and tinnitus.


RESULTS
Seventeen (38%) of 45 patients experienced complications, with most having more than 1. Most complications occurred after conclusion of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Otorrhea was most common, occurring in 13 patients (29%). Persistent tympanic membrane perforations occurred in 7 patients (16%).


CONCLUSIONS
The rate of complications is higher than reported for placement of tympanostomy tubes in other patient populations. Coexisting illness, such as diabetes mellitus, may contribute to the development of complications in patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Alternative methods of tympanostomy, with emphasis on shorter duration of intubation, should be considered in this patient population.
Clements
K S
KS
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555-0521, USA.
Vrabec
J T
JT
Mader
J T
JT
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001469:Barotrauma / Q000517:prevention & control; D002558:Cerebrospinal Fluid Otorrhea / Q000209:etiology; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000293:injuries; D005260:Female; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008876:Middle Ear Ventilation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000209:etiology; D018058:Tympanic Membrane Perforation / Q000209:etiology