Laser-assisted myringotomy combined with adenoidectomy in children: preliminary results.

Adenoidectomy and CO2 laser-assisted myringotomy were performed on 26 children (52 ears) diagnosed with adenoid hypertrophy and chronic otitis media with effusion. The age ranged between 2-15. The CO2 laser and a micromanipulator were adapted on the operating microscope. Repeated pulses of focused laser beam were fired in a roselike fashion in order to create a 2-mm round perforation in the antero-inferior quadrant of the eardrum. Three months after surgery, the tympanic membrane was perfectly healed. There were two cases of recurrence of middle ear fluid. There was no adverse effect and hearing results were good. We discuss the significance of these preliminary results and emphasize the need for further research.