Otological Findings Ten Years after Myringotomy with Tympanostomy Tube Insertion

Introduction: To study the long-term complications of tympanostomy tube insertion in young children ۱۰ years after surgery.   Materials and Methods: In September ۲۰۱۱, the medical records of all patients who had undergone myringotomy with tympanostomy tube insertion between February ۲۰۰۰ and March ۲۰۰۱ at the two general hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were studied. Of the ۹۸ patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, ۸۲ patients agreed to participate and were enrolled in the study. The complications of the operation were evaluated in these patients.   Results: Of the ۱۶۴ ears that were operated on, myringosclerosis was found in ۱۷.۱%, atrophy of the tympanic membrane in ۱.۲%, permanent perforation of the tympanic membrane in ۰.۶% and tympanic membrane atelectasis in ۰.۶%. None of the patients developed cholesteatoma as a complication of tympanostomy tube insertion.   Conclusion:  Considering the low risk of serious complications after ۱۰ years, tympanostomy tube insertion is a safe and effective treatment option in the treatment of otitis media with effusion.