title: Transtympanic balloon dilatation of the eustachian tube: systematic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the evidence for balloon dilatation of the eustachian tube using a transtympanic approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic search of several databases was conducted (using the search terms 'dilation' or 'dilatation', and 'balloon' and 'eustachian tube'). Only studies that used a transtympanic approach for the procedure were included. These studies were then assessed for risk of bias.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three studies were included. Each of these studies was a limited case series, with two performed on human subjects and one on human cadavers. Results of safety and efficacy are conflicting. There is a high risk of bias overall.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  At present, there is a very narrow evidence base for transtympanic balloon dilatation of the eustachian tube. There are a number of advantages and disadvantages of the technique. Previously identified and theoretical safety concerns will need to be addressed thoroughly in future studies prior to wider clinical use.
authors.affiliation: Kolling Deafness Research Centre,University of Sydney and Macquarie University,Sydney,Australia.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Jufas
authors.affiliation: Kolling Deafness Research Centre,University of Sydney and Macquarie University,Sydney,Australia.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Patel
mesh_terms: D004106:Dilatation / Q000379:methods*; D005064:Eustachian Tube / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D013506:Otologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D014432:Tympanic Membrane
keywords: Carotid Artery; Dilatation; Ear; Eustachian Tube; Middle