Persistent otorrhoea after ventilation tube insertion: a treatment protocol.

Otorrhoea is the commonest complication of ventilation tube (grommet) insertion. In some cases it may be unresponsive to short courses of topical antibiotic/steroid drops and/or systemic antibiotics. This study investigated whether a five-day course of inpatient treatment with intravenous antibiotics, topical medication and daily microsuction was effective in treating persistent otorrhoea. Eleven subjects were included, of whom nine responded to the proposed treatment regimen. We recommend that patients with persistent otorrhoea after ventilation tube insertion should be managed according to these guidelines before considering an examination under anaesthetic or a ventilation tube removal.