title: Evolution of Eustachian tube surgery.
abstract: Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is a common condition that lacks a widely accepted treatment. Attempts to address ETD surgically have spanned several centuries and have often fallen short of success. It is probable that occult anatomic position, unclear function, and misunderstood physiology have contributed to the delayed development of effective interventions for ETD. This article traces the evolution of therapeutic interventions of the Eustachian tube through the present day. Reasons for success and failure are highlighted, with implications for the future of Eustachian tube surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Edward D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: McCoul
authors.forename: Frank E
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Lucente
authors.forename: Vijay K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Anand
mesh_terms: D004724:Endoscopy / Q000266:history*; D005064:Eustachian Tube / Q000601:surgery*; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000266:history*