Role of Acetic Acid Irrigation in Medical Management of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Chronic otitis media is persistent and insidious disease. It is one of the most common bacterial infections in the field of otolaryngology having significant economic and individual repercussion. Medical management of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) for dry ear is essential before surgical treatment. The objective is to consider the most appropriate medical treatment modalities for patients of CSOM. To assess results of acetic acid irrigation and topical and systemic antibiotic in CSOM and consider, the most appropriate medical management. This study was conducted prospectively from Nov 2011 to Sep 2013 in 100 patients of CSOM (tubotympanic type). Patient included in the present study were divided in two groups. In one group patients were treated with aural toilet and irrigation with acetic acid and in other group patients were treated with topical and systemic antibiotic. After a follow up period of 3months duration results were assessed on the basis of absence of discharge, healing of perforation and status of middle ear. Otorrhoea resolution in group treated with acetic acid was 84% and healing of perforation was noted in 26% while failure rate of 16% was noted. In group treated with topical and systemic antibiotic 58% of patient shows otorrhoea resolution, 14% achieve healing of perforation and 32% had failure. Medical management of CSOM without Cholesteatoma by frequent aural cleaning and irrigation using dilute acetic acid can be more desirable choice as compared to the topical and oral antibiotics.