Balloon dilatation of the Eustachian tube: postoperative validation of patient satisfaction.

OBJECTIVES: The Eustachian tube is responsible for ventilation, protection and drainage of the middle ear. Dysfunction of the Eustachian tube can lead to impairments ranging from inadequate pressure equalisation in the middle ear and pneumatised mastoid process to cholesteatoma. Conventional surgical interventions for chronic tube dysfunction have not brought resounding clinical success. However, the 'Bielefelder Balloon dilatation' constitutes a new and, judging from early results, very effective treatment for chronic tube dysfunction. Proof of the efficacy of the surgical procedures is provided by objective clinical factors, but for quality assurance, the assessment of the subjective quality of life of patients must also be taken into account. To measure health-related quality of life, standardised questionnaires are used which have been tested for reliability, validity and sensitivity.

METHODS: A total of 30 patients were included in the study. The patient survey was conducted retrospectively, and validation of patient satisfaction was carried out with the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI).

RESULTS: GBI analysis revealed significant improvements in the total score as well as in general and physical health.

CONCLUSIONS: The Bielefelder Balloon dilatation is a new and safe treatment for chronic tube dysfunction, which had a significant positive influence on the postoperative quality of life of our patient cohort.