Can uvulopalatopharyngoplasty be harmful to eustachian tube function?

A study of the Eustachian tube, incorporating nasendoscopy, tympanometry and pressure swallow test was undertaken in patients undergoing uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. Marked negative middle ear pressure indicating impairment of tubal function was found during the first 7 postoperative days. In patients receiving antibiotic treatment the Eustachian tube dysfunction was significantly alleviated. This dysfunction is probably due to a postoperative infective inflammatory process in the tonsillar fossa. Antibiotic treatment is recommended for patients undergoing uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, to improve the postoperative course. Patients with middle ear abnormalities and following middle ear surgery could be high-risk candidates for this operation and should be carefully evaluated.