title: Surgical management of chronic otitis media: beyond tympanotomy tubes.
abstract: Chronic ear disease encompasses a wide range of clinical entities amenable to medical and surgical intervention. The otolaryngologist must always consider the goals of surgery--first and foremost to achieve a safe ear. The least invasive procedure capable of eradicating disease is generally chosen. During surgery, a delicate balance has to exist between the careful preservation of function and the aggressive prevention of potentially recurrent disease. Postoperatively, thorough follow-up and good judgment are paramount in avoiding complications and preventing unnecessary additional surgical procedures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1301 22nd Avenue South, Suite 2900 Nashville, TN 37232-5555, USA. david.haynes@vanderbilt.edu
authors.forename: David S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Haynes
authors.forename: David H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Harley
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D008876:Middle Ear Ventilation; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000601:surgery*; D013506:Otologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D014433:Tympanoplasty