title: First results of Endonasal dilatation of the Eustachian tube (EET) in patients with chronic obstructive tube dysfunction.
abstract: For years, several surgical and non-surgical therapeutic strategies in Eustachian tube dysfunction have been described. The Endonasal dilatation of the Eustachian tube (EET) utilising a balloon catheter is a feasible option in patients with symptoms of chronic obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction. However, long-term results in a large series are missing. In a prospective case series, 217 patients (342 cases) with symptoms of chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction underwent uni- or bilateral EET at the ENT Department of the University of Hamburg, Germany, between September 2010 and April 2013. A tube score consisting of the type of tympanogram and the R value of the tubomanometry was used to evaluate pre- and postoperative tube function. All patients underwent follow-up with a post-operative interval of 3-12 months. The mean value of the pre-treatment tube score was 2.23 ± 1.147 and significantly improved to 2.68 ± 1.011 1 year after EET. There was a significant increase in the tube score during follow-up. The co-variables time period, tympanoplasty and pressure range showed a significant impact on the tube score. EET is a minimally invasive and effective treatment of chronic obstructive tube dysfunction. It is a safe procedure without causing significant complications. Nevertheless, long-term results of larger, placebo-controlled multicentre studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany. c.dalchow@uke.de.
authors: Carsten V
authors: CV
authors: Dalchow
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Loewenthal
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Kappo
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Jenckel
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
authors: B B
authors: BB
authors: Loerincz
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Knecht
mesh_terms: D000158:Acoustic Impedance Tests / Q000379:methods; D000328:Adult; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D004106:Dilatation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D005064:Eustachian Tube / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006320:Hearing Tests / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014433:Tympanoplasty / Q000379:methods
keywords: Balloon dilatation of the Eustachian tube (BET); Chronic obstructive tube dysfunction; Ear-related symptoms; Endonasal dilatation of the Eustaschian tube (EET); Tubomanometry