The effect of topical ciprofloxacin on postoperative otorrhea after tympanostomy tube insertion.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic ciprofloxacin drops in decreasing the incidence of otorrhea after tympanostomy tube insertion.


METHODS
The study design was a single-blind, randomized clinical trial.


METHODS
The study was conducted at a tertiary care referral center.


METHODS
One hundred fifty-four patients aged 6 months to 14 years undergoing tympanostomy tube insertion participated.


METHODS
For each subject, one ear was randomly assigned to receive topical ciprofloxacin, placed in the middle and external ear after surgery, while the contralateral ear served as a control.


METHODS
Posttympanostomy otorrhea occurring during the period from 24 hours after surgery until 2 weeks after surgery was measured.


RESULTS
Topical ciprofloxacin application after tympanostomy tube insertion was associated with a significantly lower incidence of early posttympanostomy otorrhea. The rates of otorrhea for control and treatment ears were 9.1% and 3.9%, respectively (p = 0.029).


CONCLUSIONS
The topical administration of a single dose of ciprofloxacin solution after surgery is an effective treatment for the prevention of early posttympanostomy otorrhea.
Zipfel
T E
TE
Department of Otolaryngology, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania 17822, USA.
Wood
W E
WE
Street
D F
DF
Wulffman
J
J
Tipirneni
A
A
Frey
C
C
Gibson
W S
WS
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D002558:Cerebrospinal Fluid Otorrhea / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002939:Ciprofloxacin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008876:Middle Ear Ventilation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002939:Ciprofloxacin