A Review of 2399 Ears for Postmyringotomy Tube Otorrhea

Abstract

Objective: To review consecutive myringotomy tube surgeries from 2005 to 2011.

Method: Retrospective chart analysis of the last 2399 consecutive ears for myringotomy tube surgery from July 2005 to December 2011.

Results: Out of 2399 total ears reviewed, the total rate of otorrhea was 4.1% with 5.7% with no intervention developing immediate postmyringotomy tube otorrhea, 2.3% with ointment coated onto the tube developing otorrhea, 3.8% with ofloxacin instilled at time of surgery developing otorrhea, and 4.6% with cortisporin instilled at time of surgery developing otorrhea. Purulent middle ear effusions developed immediate postmyringotomy tube otorrhea in 7.3% of the ears, but no middle ear effusions developed otorrhea in only 2.8% of the ears. Sheehy collar button tube had the least amount of postmyringotomy tube otorrhea at 1.9%.

Conclusion: Early postmyringotomy tube otorrhea is a frequent complication of myringotomy tube insertion with a rate of 4%, and the type of intervention at time of surgery with ointment or drops along with the type of tubes placed made a difference in the incidence of postmyringotomy otorrhea.