title: Contact diode laser myringotomy for medium-duration middle ear ventilation in children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To prospectively compare contact diode laser for myringotomy (CDLM) to myringotomy with tube insertion (M&T) for the surgical management of otitis media with effusion (OME) in children.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective randomized controlled study at a tertiary care pediatric institution.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty children for whom PE tube insertion was indicated were randomized for treatment by CDLM or by M&T, in order to investigate length of time for middle ear ventilation, and complication rates. Surgical time was measured, post-operative parental questionnaires were reviewed, and follow-up examinations were performed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Middle ear ventilation by CDLM or M&T.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Middle ear ventilation by CDLM took an average of 4.1min, and was maintained for an average of 3.5 months, compared to surgical time of 10.2min for M&T, and duration of middle ear ventilation of 6.3 months. These differences were statistically significant (p=0.005 for surgical time, and p<0.001 for duration of ventilation). Complication rates were equivalent.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CDLM allowed for medium-duration middle ear ventilation in children compared to M&T. Further study to clarify the role of CDLM in the management of OME in children is indicated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Vicenza Civil Hospital, Vicenza, Italy. riccardo.deredita@ulssvicenza.it
authors.forename: Riccardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: D'Eredità
authors.forename: Udayan K
authors.initials: UK
authors.lastname: Shah
mesh_terms: D000158:Acoustic Impedance Tests; D001299:Audiometry; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019723:Endoscopes; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008876:Middle Ear Ventilation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D009225:Myringoplasty; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000209:etiology; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors