Abstract
Abstract The purpose of this study was to reveal the role of nasal surgeries in changing Eustachian tube function (ETF) and middle ear ventilation. This prospective study involved 30 patients with diffrent nasal pathologies causing nasal obstruction. The patients were subjected to diffrent nasal surgeries for treating their nasal obstruction. ETF tests in the form of (Valsalva and Toynbee manuvers) together with tympanometery were performed the day before the operation, and then repeated 30 days after removal of the nasal packs. Pre and postoperative Valsalva and Toynbee tubal function tests, tympanometery and ear fullness sensation were evaluated for both ears of each patient. Preoperatively, 47 (78.3%) ears were type A, 24 ears of them had poor ETF and 23 ears had good ETF. Thirteen (21.6%) ears were type C, all of them had poor ETF. The postoperative results of ETF tests were significantly better than preoperative results (P < 0.002). Significant improvement in tympanometeric values was also found (P < 0.05). Preoperatively, 28 patients (93.3%) had sensation of ear fullness. At 30 days after removal of nasal packs, 20 patients (66.7%) still had sensation of ear fullness, with significant improvement (P < 0.001). We suggest that nasal obstruction has a definite relationship with EFT. Surgery for nasal obstruction has a favorable effect on the middle ear pressure and EFT. Type A tympanogram not always means a good EFT but the patient may have poor EFT with Eustachian tybe dysfunction inspite of type (A) tympanogram.
Highlights
The Eustachian tube has at least three physiologic functions with respect to the middle ear: ventilation of the middle ear to equilibrate air pressure in the middle ear with atmospheric pressure, drainage and clearance into the nasopharynx of secretions produced within the middle ear, and protection from nasopharyngeal sound pressure and secretions
This prospective study included 30 patients who presented to the otolaryngology outpatient clinic at El-Minia University Hospital with a complaint of unilateral or bilateral nasal obstruction; they were surgically operated for correction of their nasal obstruction between July 2012 and July 2013
The study was carried out on 30 patients who presented to the otolaryngology outpatient clinic at El-Minia University Hospital complaining of unilateral or bilateral nasal obstruction
Summary
The Eustachian tube has at least three physiologic functions with respect to the middle ear: ventilation of the middle ear to equilibrate air pressure in the middle ear with atmospheric pressure, drainage and clearance into the nasopharynx of secretions produced within the middle ear, and protection from nasopharyngeal sound pressure and secretions. It is involved in ensuring air exchange in the middle ear [1,2]. Despite the sensation of ear fullness, most patients show normal middle ear pressure as measured by tympanometry [5]
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