Treatment of exudative (secretory) otitis media in young children taking into account the anatomical features of the auditory tube

Abstract

To study the efficacy and safety of treatment of exudative (secretory) otitis media (EOM) in children of early age taking into account the anatomical features of the auditory tube. We examined and treated 30 children (51 ears) by balloon dilatation (BD) at the age of 1 to 3 years, with recurrent EOM (more than 6 months). The 21st child was diagnosed with a 2-sided process, and 9 with a one-sided process. All patients have previously unsuccessfully used conservative methods of treatment. According to the results of the examination and treatment, the children were divided into 2 groups. In group 1 (16 children, 30 ears) included children suffering from ESR in combination with hypertrophy of adenoids 2-3 art. with a block of pharyngeal mouths of auditory tubes, which at stage 1 of treatment was carried out endoscopic adenotomy and shunting of the tympanic cavities. In follow-up, this group of children after shunt loss was diagnosed with relapse of EOM (type B was registered on tympanometry). In this group, balloon dilation of auditory tubes was performed in the second stage after adenotomy and bypass surgery. In group 2 (14 children, 21 ear) included children with relapsing course of EOM, the adenoid vegetation 1 degree without block the pharyngeal orifices of the auditory tubes, which in the first phase was conducted on bypass the tympanic cavity. After the loss of shunts, during the control examination, a relapse of EOM was diagnosed, in connection with which, the children underwent balloon dilation of the auditory tubes. During tympanometry in 1 month. complete restoration of middle ear function in 17 children (56.7%, 28 ears) (tympanograms type A) was revealed. 4 children (13.3%, 6 ears) were diagnosed with partial recovery of middle ear function (tympanograms type C). 9 children (30%, 17 ears) retained exudate in the tympanic cavity, these patients underwent a second course of conservative therapy, after which the function of the middle ear was restored. 9 children after BD with persistent exudate in the middle ear cavities underwent tympanostomy (in this case, long-term wearing shunts were used). Balloon dilation of the cartilaginous part of the auditory tube is minimally invasive, effective in 70% of cases and a safe approach to the treatment of children suffering from a recurrent course of EOM.