Subannular T-tubes for the treatment of adhesive otitis: how we do it.

UNLABELLED: Subannular T-tubes for the treatment of adhesive otitis: how we do it.

OBJECTIVES

Adhesive otitis is a chronic otitis media (OM) that consists of the adhesion of the tympanic membrane (TM) to the promontory. The aim of our study is to evaluate a new way of positioning subannular T-tubes (SATs) in patients affected by adhesive otitis.

METHODOLOGY: This study enrolled 22 patients (average age: 36.7 yo, 2.5 SD; M/F ratio: 14/8) affected by unilateral chronic adhesive otitis. All of the patients underwent the positioning of a SAT and a Silastic@ sheet in the tympanic cavity. The clinical course was evaluated, considering otoscopic and audiological variations.

RESULTS

In our series, only one case of extrusion of tubes with residual perforation of TM was recorded. Auditory outcomes were satisfying in 18/22 patients (81.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed addition of a Silastic disk seems to avoid a new adhesion of the tympanic membrane to the promontory and, therefore, prevents treatment failures. A longer follow-up and a larger case series are needed to prove the efficacy of this surgical variation. Finally, the positioning of SATs can be considered as a valid and safe procedure for the treatment of adhesive otitis.