Abstract
Objective: An obstructive dysfunction of the Eustachian tube often leads to chronic otitis media, which must be treated with excessive surgery. The use of probes, tubes, or grommets are not always satisfying in the long term. With the use of modified balloon catheters, a safe and reliable treatment now becomes feasible.
Method: A total of 107 patients with a history of tubal dysfunction were examined by otoscopy, pure-tone-audiometry, impedance audiometry, and tube manometry between July 2010 and January 2011. 20 patients were treated with endonasal endoscopic tube dilatation by inserting a ballon catheter into the Eustachian tube, which was then enlarged with 10 bar for 2 minutes.
Results: Twenty patients (14 male and 6 female; age 14-71 years) were treated. All patients showed an obstructive dysfunction of the Eustachian tube in their preoperative diagnostics. A checkup one day and 3 months’ postdilatation verified an improved tube function in 14 patients, while all patients reported a subjective benefit after dilatation.
Conclusion: The use of endonasal endoscopic tube dilatation provides otologists with a safe and reliable method to enlarge the cartilaginous part of the Eustachian tube. All patients benefited from treatment, while no complications such as total obstruction or open tube occurred.
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