title: Extra-annular T tubes: a case series.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  to review the efficacy of extra-annular T tubes in a cohort of patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  case series of 50 patients undergoing 60 extra-annular T-tube insertions.
  
  
  METHODS
  district general hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  retrospective review of case notes.
  
  
  METHODS
  extrusion, chronic perforation after extrusion, infection, occlusion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixteen of 60 tubes extruded at an average of 16 months after insertion. Two tubes had to be removed. One of 18 extruded/removed tubes was associated with a chronic perforation. Seven of 60 tubes became infected during the follow-up period, none of which required removal. Of the 42 tubes that did not extrude or have to be removed, the average follow-up was 23 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  our case series of extra-annular tubes suggests that this procedure is a safe intervention for long-term middle ear ventilation with a low rate of infection and chronic perforation.
authors.affiliation: Department of ENT Surgery, West Middlesex University Hospital, Isleworth, Middlesex, UK. esmond@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: Esmond R M
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Carr
authors.forename: Shamim
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Toma
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Robinson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008876:Middle Ear Ventilation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014432:Tympanic Membrane / Q000601:surgery*