Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2000 Oct;43(10):1045-1049.

Clinical Study of Laser Myringotomy with Ventilation Tube Insertion on Pediatric Chronic Otitis Media with Effusion

• Jang CH
• Kim YH
• Jung JK
• Park SY

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Complications of a knife myringotomy with ventilation tube insertion is rather frequently encountered. To reduce such complications, we have performed myringotomy using a contact Nd: YAG laser. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of laser assisted myringotomy (LAM).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Sixty three patients (106 ears) of ages 1 to 7 were investigated retrospectively. Under the intravenous general anesthesia, LAM was performed to create a 2.0 mm sized perforation. After LAM, a ventilation tube was inserted.
RESULTS
All ears underwent successful placement of ventilation tubes. Compared with knife myringotomies, LAM was safe to use in the atrophic tympanic membrane. There were also less intraoperative bleeding and tube plugging, with much lower postoperative otorrhea and myringosclerosis compared to knife myringotomies. Granuloma around the tube did not occurred. Postoperative improvement of air-bone gap reflects that LAM does not damage the inner ear.
CONCLUSION
LAM with ventilation tube insertion is more effective than the previous knife myringotomy.

Keyword

Chronic otitis media with effusion; Laser; Myringotomy; Ventilation tube insertion

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia, General
Ear
Ear, Inner
Granuloma
Hemorrhage
Humans
Lasers, Solid-State
Myringosclerosis
Otitis Media with Effusion*
Otitis Media*
Otitis*
Retrospective Studies
Tympanic Membrane
Ventilation*