Salvage Eustachian Tube Cartilage Chip Insertion After Multiple Transnasal Shim Operations in Intractable Patulous Eustachian Tube.

Abstract

This article presents 2 cases of extremely intractable patulous Eustachian tube following multiple transnasal shim insertion. These cases highlight the disadvantages of repeat transnasal shim operations, including enlargement of the Eustachian tube lumen, frequent dislocation, repeat surgery, recurrent middle ear infection, and shim misswallowing. The patients in these cases were successfully treated with Eustachian tube cartilage chip insertion through a postauricular approach. We describe the surgical technique and advantages of this promising management method.