title: Early post-operative morbidity after tympanostomy tube insertion.
abstract: Insertion of ventilation tubes is regarded as a simple, effective and safe treatment for recurrent otitis media or prolonged middle-ear effusions. We conducted a prospective observational study of 112 children to ascertain what early post-operative complications were experienced. Our findings were consistent with previously published figures for post-surgical otorrhoea and obstruction rates, at 13.5 per cent and 4 per cent (by ear), respectively, using intra-operative administration of antibiotic/steroid ear drops. We identified unique characteristics of differing ethnic groups with regard to findings at surgery and post-operative outcomes. There was a tendency for grommets placed in the left ear to be extruded early and Maori and Pacific Islanders were significantly more likely to have a non-functioning tube (blocked or extruded) in the early post-operative period. Overall, one in four children developed a post-operative complication (otorrhoea or non-functioning tube) suggesting that early and close follow up may allow timely identification and intervention where required.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, South Auckland Health, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Jacqui
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: Randall P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Morton
authors.forename: Zahoor
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Ahmad
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008876:Middle Ear Ventilation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D009520:New Zealand; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D012044:Regression Analysis