Otorrhoea via ventilation tubes in adults and children.

A prospective investigation of 127 children and 41 adults undergoing ventilation tube (grommet) insertion has been carried out. One or more episodes of discharge via a ventilation tube occurred in 14% of the children and 27% of the adults during the in situ lifetime of the tube. So far, 44 of the children have undergone insertion of a second ventilation tube, and of these, 7% have had discharge from one or both tubes. In the paediatric group, discharge was more likely if the child had a history of atopy (Chi-squared, P < 0.03, multiple regression P < 0.03). No other risk factors were identified, but two patients with cholesteatoma were identified in the group with discharge via a tube. In patients with otorrhoea via a tube, which does not settle after removal of the tube, mastoid exploration should be considered.