Does Tube Type Matter in Posttympanostomy Tube Otorrhea?

Abstract

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to review consecutive tympanostomy tube surgeries for the past 8 years, paying particular attention to the type of tube inserted at the time of surgery.

Methods:

Retrospective chart analysis of the last 3046 consecutive ears for tympanostomy tube surgery from 2005 to 2013.

Results:

Out of 3046 total ears reviewed, the total rate of otorrhea was 3.78% with 0.0% otorrhea in titanium tubes, 0.0% otorrhea in Sheehy activent tubes, 2.19% otorrhea in Donaldson tubes, 2.72% otorrhea in Sheehy collar button tubes, 3.28% otorrhea in Shepard tubes, 3.88% otorrhea in fluoroplastic tubes, 6.9% otorrhea in stainless steel tubes, 18.52% otorrhea in Goode tubes, and 25.0% otorrhea in triune tubes.

Conclusions:

Early posttympanostomy tube otorrhea is a frequent complication of tympanostomy tube insertion with a complication rate of 3.8%, and the type of tubes placed at time of surgery seems to make a difference in the incidence of posttympanostomy otorrhea.