[Curietherapy of the eustachian tube with Ir-192].

An essential success factor for tympanoplasties is effective aeration of middle ear, lack of tubular permeability being a factor for failure. The anti-inflammatory effect of curietherapy with Iridium 192 introduced into the tube during middle ear surgery was studied in 38 patients. Tubular dysfunction was evaluated by clinical and manometric examinations. During operation, a sealed plastic tube 1.6 mm in diameter was introduced into the Eustachian tube, an Iridium wire inserted on the following day, and a dose of 1.5 and 3 Gy applied to two groups respectively. Tubular function was assessed as normal or almost normal in 61% of cases. Results were compared with a group of 30 patients not receiving curietherapy.