Autoinflation After Tympanostomy Tube Extrusion in Otitis Media With Effusion

Can autoinflation after tympanostomy tube (TT) extrusion reduce otitis media with effusion recurrence and reoperation rates in children?In this randomized clinical trial involving 54 pediatric patients, autoinflation after TT extrusion was associated with lower reoperation rates (2 of 26 patients [7.7%] vs 8 of 28 patients [28.6%]) and lower recurrence rates (5 of 26 patients [19.2%] vs 10 of 28 patients [35.7%]) compared with observation, representing clinically meaningful differences between the 2 groups. Tympanometry also indicated more stable middle ear pressure in these patients.Autoinflation may promote eustachian tube function, serve as a noninvasive strategy to maintain middle ear ventilation, and reduce the use of repeat surgery after TT extrusion.

Corresponding Author: Sung-Won Choi, MD, PhD, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Gudeok-ro 179, Seo-Gu. Busan, 49241, Republic of Korea (gaelongs@gmail.com).

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