title: Microsuction aural toilet in ENT outpatients: a questionnaire to evaluate the patient experience.
abstract: Microsuction toilet of debris from the ear canal is a commonly performed procedure within the ENT outpatient clinic. This department has received two complaints from patients following microsuction aural toilet over the past year. These cases will be discussed. We wish to assess the frequency of side effects following aural microsuction in our department. A prospective questionnaire studied 164 patients undergoing aural microsuction over a 3 month period. From the total of 164 patients surveyed, only 74 (45%) did not report any adverse effects. Patients with mastoid cavities reported higher levels of vertigo when compared to those with normal ears (p < 0.001). A high proportion of patients have reported adverse side effects following aural microsuction. Medical staff should also be aware that certain patient subgroups are more prone to adverse effects. It would be appropriate to ensure that patients are counselled before suction takes place.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Singleton Hospital, Sketty, Swansea, SA2 8QA, UK. addamswilliamsjh@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Addams-Williams
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Howarth
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Phillipps
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002571:Cerumen; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004424:Ear Canal; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013396:Suction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000209:etiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014717:Vertigo / Q000209:etiology*; D055815:Young Adult