[First experience with the use of tympanostomy for the management of acute otitis media in children].

The present study included 140 children presenting with acute suppurative otitis media (AOM) who received the standard treatment in combination with paracentesis. In 14% of the patients (28 ears), paracentesis had to be repeated, sometimes in triplicate or even oftener. Seven children with AOM were treated with the use of tympanostomy. This method makes it possible to avoid repetition of paracentesis, ensures faster evacuation of the contents of the tympanic cavity, and reduces the duration of hospitalization; moreover, it prevents the development of exudative otitis media and accelerates the recovery of the hearing function.