Middle ear laser office ventilation (LOV) with a CO2 laser flashscanner

Contact Diode Laser Myringotomy and Mitomycin C in Children

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of contact diode laser myringotomy (C-LAM), combined with topical mitomycin C, as an alternative method for prolonged middle ear ventilation in children with otitis media with effusion.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective study at a tertiary care pediatric institution.

METHODS: Fifteen children enrolled in the study. Mitomycin C was applied to the intact tympanic membrane in the right ears, whereas saline on the left side was used for controls. C-LAM was then performed in all ears. Outcome measures included healing rate and scarring, ear infection, and long-term audiometric follow-up.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference in median healing rate. In each group, the median was between the third and fourth month. Normal hearing thresholds were obtained in all children at 2-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION: C-LAM proved to be an effective method for medium-term ventilation, but topical mitomycin C before C-LAM did not prolong patency rate in our patients. No significant complication was encountered at 2-year follow-up. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2004;130:742-6.)

Laser-Assisted Tympanostomy in Pediatric Patients with Serous Otitis Media

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate prognostic factors related with cure rate, in pediatric patients with serous otitis media treated with laser-assisted tympanostomy without ventilation tubes, in a single institution.

PATIENTS AND METHOD: The procedure was performed on 124 ears in 88 individuals, from 3 to 14 years old. External auditory canal anatomy, type of anesthesia, tympanic membrane and middle ear fluid characteristics, myringotomy size, and laser parameters, in relation to cure rate, were accordingly studied.

RESULTS: The overall cure rate by ear at the end of the 2-month follow-up period was 54.83%, whereas 45.17% still suffered from otitis media. Multivariate statistical analysis demonstrated that the presence of a thick tympanic membrane is significantly correlated with pure outcome in children with serous otitis media, when laser-assisted tympanostomy without ventilation tubes is performed favoring a worse cure rate ( P < 0.023). Other parameters did not statistically correlate with the outcome. A 41% parental dissatisfaction rate was noticed.

CONCLUSION: This study addresses selection bias for children with serous otitis media, candidates for laser-assisted tympanostomy. These are related to the duration of serous otitis media, the condition of middle ear mucosa, the thickness of the tympanic membrane, the type of anesthesia, and the cost of laser apparatus. There is likely to be a causal relationship between outcome and tympanic membrane appearance in children undergoing laser-assisted tympanostomy.

Efficacy of topical halofuginone in myringotomy patency

The objective of the study is to determine whether topical halofuginone (HF) application has an impact on prolonging the time for healing of myringotomy incision, and to investigate histopathologic effects of HF on tympanic membrane (TM) in rat model. Forty rats with normal eardrums were involved in this study. The study group and control group consisted of 30 and 10 rats, respectively. A posterior incision 1 mm in diameter was made on healthy eardrums of the rats. Following incision, gelfoam soaked with HF hydrobromide of 30 mg/dl was applied on the perforation in study group, whereas gelfoam soaked with isotonic saline was applied on the perforation in control group. On days 1, 3, 7, 10, 14, 18, 21, 24, 27, and 30, otoendoscopic evaluation of eardrums under general anesthesia was conducted and perforations were screened. A rat of each group was killed in control days and TMs were dissected to evaluate histopathological changes. The average times for patency of perforation in study and control groups were 21.43 and 7.50 days, respectively. The difference was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Histopathological evaluation revealed that HF reduces hyalinisation and fibrosis in eardrum, when compared with the control group. In conclusion, HF significantly delays closure time of myringotomies in rat model. However, this delay may not be enough for recovery of otitis media with effusion.

Effect of ototopical ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone on myringotomy in a rat model

OBJECTIVE

To examine the potential of ototopical ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone (CDX) to delay the closure of myringotomy perforation and to evaluate its effect on inflammation.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, and controlled.

METHODS

Effusion is obtained in the right middle ear of 24 rats by blocking nasopharyngeal opening of eustachian tube by fibrin glue. Left middle ears of 30 rats remained healthy. Animals were randomly classified into three groups; each containing eight right ears with effusion and 10 rats with healthy left ear. Bilateral myringotomy was applied to all rats and randomly divided into three groups. First group received CDX, second group received serum physiologic (SF) for 14 days. Third group served as control. Otomicroscopy was performed by days 7, 14 and 28 to assess wound healing. On day of 28, all animals were humanly euthanized in order to pathological examination of the tympanic bullas.

RESULT

CDX group showed lesser perforation closure ratios both in healthy and diseased ears. Inflammation was found to be lesser at CDX group in comparison to other groups.

CONCLUSION

Closure of the myringotomy perforation can be modulated by ototopical CDX treatment. This delaying of wound healing may be attributed to antiinflammatory action of dexamethasone.

[The risk of damaging the round window by CO2 laser myringotomy. A morphological experimental analysis of 61 human petrous bone specimens]

INTRODUCTION

In CO2 laser myringotomy, a self-healing perforation is typically created in the lower anterior quadrant. A prominent anterior meatal wall may cover that quadrant and necessitate dorsal perforation of the eardrum. This study orientationally assessed the risk of damaging the round window membrane (RWM) when applying the laser in dorsal eardrum areas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The round window was exposed by otomicrosurgery in 61 human petrous bone specimens. CO2 laser myringotomy was previously performed with twice the standard power (25 W, 180 ms, 2.2 mm) in the lower posterior quadrants of 25 specimens, the beam being applied directly to the round window niche in five specimens, and the effect of the laser radiation was documented. The RWM was subsequently exposed in all petrous bones, and the angle correlation of the membrane to the direction of the laser beam was digitally measured.

RESULTS

The laser did not damage the membrane of the round window in any of the cases. The angle between the RWM and the external auditory meatus was below 30 degrees in 97% of the petrous bones and thus had a nearly parallel course.

CONCLUSION

Localization of the window caudodorsal to the meatal wall, bone overhanging the membrane, mucosal duplications, and membrane alignment nearly parallel to the laser beam make it virtually impossible to reach this membranous structure with the CO2 laser.

Tympanic membrane healing in myringotomies performed with argon laser or microknife: an experimental study in rats

Secretory otitis media (SOM) and recurrent acute otitis media (RAOM) may require surgical treatment to proper ventilate the middle ear. Incisional myringotomy is usually done under microscopy with a micro-knife, but it remains patent for just a few days. Recent research indicates that laser assisted myringotomies remain open much longer, allowing middle ear ventilation and healing. Material and methods: In this experimental study 34 white, male, adult, Wistar rats, without middle ear disease were submited to anesthesia with ketamine 27 mg/kg and xylazine 2,7 mg/kg. Incisional myringotomy was done on the right ear, while laser myringotomy was done on the left. Myringotomies were evaluated periodically until healing. Results: The healing times were equivalent. All myringotomies healed within 10 days. Conclusion: Argon laser assisted myringotomy healed just as early on as incisional myringotomy on Wistar rats without middle ear diseases.

Contact diode laser myringotomy for medium-duration middle ear ventilation in children

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively compare contact diode laser for myringotomy (CDLM) to myringotomy with tube insertion (M&T) for the surgical management of otitis media with effusion (OME) in children.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Prospective randomized controlled study at a tertiary care pediatric institution.

METHODS

Thirty children for whom PE tube insertion was indicated were randomized for treatment by CDLM or by M&T, in order to investigate length of time for middle ear ventilation, and complication rates. Surgical time was measured, post-operative parental questionnaires were reviewed, and follow-up examinations were performed.

INTERVENTION

Middle ear ventilation by CDLM or M&T.

RESULTS

Middle ear ventilation by CDLM took an average of 4.1min, and was maintained for an average of 3.5 months, compared to surgical time of 10.2min for M&T, and duration of middle ear ventilation of 6.3 months. These differences were statistically significant (p=0.005 for surgical time, and p<0.001 for duration of ventilation). Complication rates were equivalent.

CONCLUSION

CDLM allowed for medium-duration middle ear ventilation in children compared to M&T. Further study to clarify the role of CDLM in the management of OME in children is indicated.

The Effect of Radiofrequency and Mitomycin C on the Closure Rate of Human Tympanostomy

OBJECTIVES

To conduct a prospective, randomized, controlled trial determining the feasibility of radiofrequency with or without topical mitomycin C application in delaying the closure time of human tympanostomy and screening its efficacy in management of recurrent acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion.

METHODS

From November 2002 to January 2004, 96 patients (180 ears) who were to undergo surgical intervention for recurrent acute otitis media or otitis media with effusion were included in this study. Sixty ears with a diagnosis of recurrent acute otitis media were equally randomized to three procedures: cold knife myringotomy (Group A), radiofrequency tympanostomy (Group B), and radiofrequency tympanostomy with topical mitomycin C application (Group C). One hundred twenty ears diagnosed as having otitis media with effusion were equally randomized to the last two procedures only. Patients were followed-up every week in the first month, every 2 weeks in the second month, and monthly after that until closure of the tympanostomy. A special follow-up setting was designed 3 months after tympanostomy closure where tympanograms and pure-tone audiograms were obtained.

RESULTS

Groups B and C showed a significantly slower rate of closure than Group A. At the same time, Group C demonstrated a slower rate when compared with Group B. The mean closure time of Group B was 3.5 weeks, with no difference between recurrent acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion. In contrast, the mean closure times for Group C were 5.3 and 7 weeks in cases of otitis media with effusion and recurrent acute otitis media, respectively, with the latter demonstrating a significantly slower closure rate. No recurrence of acute otitis media was reported in 10, 45, and 80% of Groups A, B, and C, respectively. Fifty-nine percent of Group C showed no clinical or tympanometric signs of otitis media with effusion 3 months after closure of tympanostomy. In contrast, Group B reported a lower cure rate (28%), with a statistically significant difference between both groups. Absence of recurrence and improvement in tympanometry signs correlated significantly with the duration of patency of tympanostomy (p < 0.01). The success rate was higher in patients who underwent adenoidectomy, but this did not reach statistical significance except in Group C (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Radiofrequency and mitomycin C delay the closure rate of human tympanostomy. The efficacy of mitomycin C seems to be amplified in the presence of an inflamed tympanic membrane. Radiofrequency-assisted mitomycin-enhanced tympanostomy is a precise, safe, and cost-effective procedure that provides a viable approach in the management of recurrent acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion, especially when used in conjunction with adenoidectomy.

Diode Laser Myringotomy for Chronic Otitis Media with Effusion in Adults

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the closure time of diode laser-assisted myringotomies, the incidence of complications, and the hearing results in comparison with the "cold" procedure in adults with otitis media with effusion (OME).

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective case-control study.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center, university hospital.

PATIENTS

Twenty-eight adult patients (39 ears), 13 men and 15 women, age 13 to 76 years (mean, 51.9). Inclusion criteria included 3 months (or more) history of OME resistant to medical therapy. Twenty-two control patients (34 ears) underwent cold myringotomies with knife and ventilation tubes (VT).

INTERVENTION

Diode laser myringotomy performed in an office setting under local anesthesia with topical EMLA ointment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Timing of closure of the myringotomy, hearing results, incidence of complications, recurrence of OME.

RESULTS

No intra- or postoperative pain nor complications were observed. Otomicroscopic daily monitoring documented the healing patterns of the tympanostomies, which remained patent for 7 to 25 days (average, 15.6 +/- 4.8 days). Immediate improvement of hearing was achieved in every patient. Recurrence of OME was observed in 36 ears (92.3%) within 1 month from healing. In the control group with VTs, healing of the eardrum was observed between 126 and 301 days (average, 183.2 +/- 44.8 days), and recurrence of OME was observed in 8 ears (23.5%) (p < 0.001). One month after healing, the air-bone gap was retained within 10 dB in 10.3% (4/39) of the diode laser group and in 50% (17/34) of the standard procedure group (p=0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Diode laser myringotomy is a straightforward, painless procedure simplified by the thin fiberoptic cables available. Functional benefit is comparable to conventional tympanostomies plus VTs, but the duration of patency is too short to achieve long-term clearance of the effusion in "glue" ears of adult patients. Selected indications could be acute or recurrent otitis media or the prevention of barotraumas in tubal dysfunction.

Laser myringotomy versus ventilation tubes in children with otitis media with effusion: a randomized trial

OBJECTIVES

Insertion of ventilation tubes in children with otitis media with effusion (OME) is an accepted and common treatment procedure. The majority of patients require general anesthesia. Although laser myringotomy can be performed in local anesthesia, evidence is lacking that this treatment modality is an alternative for tubes, and outcome predictors for laser myringotomy are not available.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective randomized trial.

METHODS

We screened 1,403 children with chronic OME that were indicated for placement of ventilation tubes. In the eligible patients, we performed laser myringotomy in one ear and placed a tube in the other ear, both within the same patient. Follow-up was scheduled each month for 6 months. Success was defined as absence of effusion or aural discharge. A logistic regression model was used with success of the therapy as binary outcome. This model was based on base-line variables, asked for in a parent's questionnaire.

RESULTS

Two hundred eight children received the allocated intervention, and no complications occurred. The mean closure time of the laser perforation was 2.4 weeks, and the mean patency time of the ventilation tube was 4.0 months. The mean success rate was 40% for laser and 78% for tubes. Ten known variables were found to predict middle ear status after therapy.

CONCLUSION

Laser myringotomy is a safe but less-effective procedure than insertion of a ventilation tube in the treatment of chronic OME. The prognostic model enables the otolaryngologist to choose the surgical treatment for the child that benefits most: laser myringotomy or ventilation tube.

The effects of incisional myringotomy and CO2 laser myringotomy on rat tympanic membranes

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare closure rates and histopathological findings of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) laser myringotomies to those of incisional myringotomy.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed CO(2) laser round myringotomy on left ears and incisional round myringotomy on the right ears of 34 rats on the same day. The incisions were 2mm in size on both ears. Examination was made with otoendoscope on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 with videorecording. Two rats were sacrificed every 2 days for 25 days and every 5 days thereafter, randomly. The tympanic membranes (TM) were excised and hyalinization, fibrosis and inflammation were assessed with light microscope.

RESULTS

Most of the CO(2) laser myringotomies healed after day 15, and all of them healed by day 50. Three of the incisional myringotomy perforations were closed at day 3, and the rest by day 15. Patency of CO(2) laser myringotomies was significantly longer than that of incisional myringotomies. Hyalinization, fibrosis and inflammation of the incisional myringotomy group were significantly less than those of the laser myringotomy group.

CONCLUSIONS

CO(2) laser myringotomies remain patent for a longer period of time than the incisional procedure, however, they cause more tissue inflammation. We believe that CO(2) laser myringotomy is an effective method, however, additional studies are needed to identify its complications.

Laser myringotomy in otitis media with effusion: long-term follow-up

Otitis media with effusion is a leading cause of conductive hearing loss in children. Myringotomy and insertion of tympanostomy tubes is the accepted form of treatment. Recently, several studies utilizing laser myringotomy have been published, but few of them present late results. The objective of this study was to compare late results of the treatment with laser and classical myringotomy. A clinical effectiveness trial was conducted in three groups of children: (1) 37 children treated with laser myringotomy (ML), (2) 29 children treated with laser myringotomy and the insertion of tympanostomy tubes (ML+V) and (3) 43 children treated with classical myringotomy and the insertion of tympanostomy tubes (MC+V). All types of surgery were performed under general anesthesia because adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy was done at the same time. The results of treatment were assessed on the basis of the otoscopic examination (recurrences of effusion, condition of the tympanic membrane, and audiological examination (pure-tone audiometry, tympanometry and DPOAE). The minimum follow-up period was 1 year. The recurrence rate was lowest in the ML+V (11%) group, and highest in the ML group (36%). The difference between ML+V and MC+V was not significant. Permanent changes in the tympanic membrane were observed in 8% of the ears after ML, 19% after ML+V and 31% after MC+V. The difference was significant between the ML and MC+V groups. PTA was significantly higher in the MC+V group than in the control group of otologically healthy children. Mean amplitudes of DPOAE, measured in treated children with normal tympanometry results, were significantly lower than in the control group, but within the normal range. The use of CO(2) laser during myringotomy has no negative effect on the function of the cochlea. Healing of the tympanic membrane after laser myringotomy was uneventful with a low percentage of permanent sequelae.

Ventilation time of the middle ear in otitis media with effusion (OME) after CO2 laser myringotomy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the transtympanic ventilation time, the healing course of the tympanic membrane, the early and late complications, and the recurrence rate of otitis media with effusion (OME) within 6 months after CO2 laser myringotomy with the CO2 laser otoscope Otoscan.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective clinical study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, laser myringotomy was performed with the CO2 laser otoscope Otoscan in a patient population comprising 81 children (159 ears) with a history of otitis media with effusion (OME) associated with adenoidal and sometimes tonsillar hyperplasia. The procedure on the tympanic membrane was accordingly combined with an adenoidectomy, a CO2 laser tonsillotomy, or a tonsillectomy and therefore performed under insufflation anesthesia. In all ears, approximately 2 mm circular perforations were created in the lower anterior quadrants with a power of 12 to 15 W, a pulse duration of 180 msec, and a scanned area of 2.2 mm in diameter.

RESULTS

None of the children showed postoperative impairment of cochleovestibular function such as sensorineural hearing loss or nystagmus. Otomicroscopic and videoendoscopic monitoring documented the closure time and healing pattern of tympanic membrane perforations. The mean closure time was found to be 16.35 days (minimum, 8 days; maximum, 34 days). As a rule, an onion-skin-like membrane of keratinized material was seen in the former myringotomy perforations at the time of closure. At the follow-up 6 months later, the condition of the tympanic membrane of 129 ears (81.1%) could be checked by otomicroscopy and videoendoscopy and the hearing ability by audiometry and tympanometry. The CO2 laser myringotomy sites appeared normal and irritation-free. Two of the tympanic membranes examined (1.6%) showed atrophic scar formation, and 1 (0.8%) had a perforation with a diameter of 0.3 mm. The perforation was seen closed in a control otoscopy 15 months postoperatively. OME recurred in 26.3% of the ears seen intraoperatively with mucous secretion (n = 38) and in 13.5% of the ears with serous secretion (n = 37; P <.05).

CONCLUSION

The most important principle in treating OME is ventilation of the tympanic cavity. CO2 laser myringotomy achieves this through a self-healing perforation in which its diameter roughly determines the duration of transtympanic ventilation. Laser myringotomy competes with ventilation tube insertion in the treatment of OME. It may be a useful alternative in the surgical management of secretory otitis media.

The role of laser assisted tympanostomy (LAT) in treating allergic children with chronic serous otitis media

OBJECTIVES

To assess various prognostic factors influencing the outcome in paediatric patients with serous otitis media, who have undergone laser assisted tympanostomy without ventilation tube placement. Emphasis is given to children with allergies who underwent the procedure.

METHOD

Laser assisted tympanostomy was performed on a total of 130 ears (92 individuals) with chronic otitis media with effusion. To determine the quality of patient outcome, the following parameters were evaluated: external auditory canal anatomy, type of anaesthesia used, tympanic membrane and middle ear fluid characteristics, myringotomy size, a history of allergies and the laser device parameters.

RESULTS

Multivariable statistical analysis demonstrated that the presence of allergies in children with chronic serous otitis media is significantly correlated with a poor outcome (P < 0.0047). Moreover, the presence of a thick tympanic membrane and/or high viscosity (glue) fluid in the middle ear cavity can also independently influence patient outcome (P < 0.025). Simultaneous adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy, type of anaesthesia (general versus local), external canal anatomy (wide or narrow) and sex, were not statistically important prognostic factors. The type of anaesthesia used, myringotomy size and the laser device parameters were not found to be associated with patient outcome.

CONCLUSION

A history of allergies, the presence of a thick tympanic membrane and/or high viscosity fluid in the middle ear cavity are all contraindications for laser assisted tympanostomy without tympanostomy tubes, in children who suffer from chronic serous otitis media. The selection criteria for this procedure in the paediatric population are addressed in detail.

Experimental CO2 laser myringotomy

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare closure rates of CO2 laser myringotomies with those produced conventionally with a knife.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

We investigated closure rates in 3 experimental groups of chinchillas: (1) semicircular myringotomy in both ears either produced with a knife or CO2 laser; (2) CO2 laser myringotomy, round in one ear and kidney shaped in the other; (3) CO2 laser myringotomy, incisional in one ear and kidney shaped in the other.

RESULTS

Patency of knife myringotomies was shorter (P < 0.01) than of similar laser myringotomies, means 10.0 and 21.8 days, respectively. The patency of kidney-shaped laser myringotomies was longer (P < 0.05) than of round ones. Incisional laser myringotomies remained open longer (P < 0.01) than round ones.

CONCLUSION

Use of CO2 laser as well as certain geometries delay the closure of myringotomies. By allowing perforations of different shapes and sizes, CO2 laser myringotomy may become an alternative in the treatment of otitis media.

Office-based CO2 laser-assisted tympanic membrane fenestration addressing otitis media with effusion

OBJECTIVE

To use the CO2 laser-assisted tympanic membrane fenestration in office settings, under local anesthesia, as the sole treatment for patients with chronic otitis media with effusion (OME).

BACKGROUND DATA

This new treatment ensures artificial ventilation of the middle ear for several weeks, and provides an intermediate solution between ordinary lancet-made tympanocentesis and transtympanic ventilation tube insertion. The operative technique is already well codified, and preliminary studies have demonstrated that tympanic membrane fenestration does not expose patients to any major hazard.

METHODS

We treated 30 ears in 21 children and 29 ears in 24 adults. All patients had presented with OME persistent for more than 3 months. The laser tympanostomy was performed under local anesthesia, as an outpatient procedure, using a CO2 flash-scanning laser in conjunction with a handpiece (OTOLAM). Using a power of 12 W to 17 W, a single laser pulse usually sufficed to create a 2-mm-diameter circular perforation in the anteroinferior quadrant of the eardrum.

RESULTS

The tympanic membrane fenestration allows avoiding ventilation tube insertion in 63% of children and 75% of adults.

CONCLUSIONS

The CO2 laser-assisted tympanic membrane fenestration seems a valid therapeutic option addressing OME. This study should be pursued on a larger scale to define more precisely the indications of the laser tympanostomy.

Pediatric Laser-Assisted Tympanostomy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate effectiveness of laser-assisted tympanostomy in treatment of pediatric patients with chronic otitis media with effusion.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of 23 pediatric patients who received office laser-assisted tympanostomy.

METHODS

A CO2 laser attached to an operating microscope with a microscope laser adaptor device or the handheld Oto-LAM (Needham, MA) was used to perform all of the tympanostomies. The average diameter of tympanostomy was 2 mm; on average, 13.6 W was applied for 0.13 seconds.

RESULTS

Laser-assisted tympanostomy was performed on 37 pediatric ears (patient age range, 2-16 y) for the diagnosis of chronic otitis media with effusion. Average follow-up time was 4.7 weeks. At the time of the follow-up examination, 46% of the ears had no evidence of fluid and required no further intervention. Forty-nine percent of the ears required placement of pressure equalization tubes. The average SRT improved from 30.8 dB preoperatively to 21.03 dB postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Laser-assisted tympanostomy appears to be an effective treatment for chronic otitis media with effusion in pediatric patients.

Optimizing effectiveness of laser tympanic membrane fenestration in chronic otitis media with effusion. Clinical and technical considerations

OBJECTIVE

To describe the patient, disease and clinical characteristics that optimize the effectiveness of laser tympanic membrane fenestration (LTMF) to treat chronic otitis media with effusion (OME).

SETTING

Four pediatric otolaryngology tertiary referral centers. IRB approved; participation by informed consent.

METHODS

An observational clinical effectiveness trial was conducted in 164 ears (94 children), who had chronic OME. All patients were candidates for insertion of pressure equalization tubes (PETs) but agreed to undergo LTMF instead. Clinical and audiologic follow-up are reported at 90 days after LTMF.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical effectiveness was defined as an effusion free middle ear at otoscopy with A or C1 tympanogram and normal hearing.

RESULTS

At 90 days, 66% of the 95 evaluable ears were effusion free, all with normal hearing. Children younger than 4 years (P<0.04), who had shorter durations of effusion (P<0.009), and who experienced longer duration of fenestration patency (FP) (P<0.009) correlated to improved outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of LTMF to create 2--3 weeks of middle ear ventilation in patients with chronic OME (middle ear effusion (MEE) for 3 months or greater) is effective in 66% of 95 (58%) of ears evaluable at 90 days follow-up. This study provides basic information needed to optimize the use of LTMF today and enhance research efforts in the future.

Effectiveness of adenoidectomy and laser tympanic membrane fenestration

OBJECTIVE

Adenoidectomy alone or with tonsillectomy (A+/-T) is an effective surgical intervention in the management of otitis media in children, especially when it is performed in conjunction with insertion of pressure equalization tubes (PETs). Otorrhea and persistent tympanic membrane (TM) perforation are frequent complications. This study evaluates the effectiveness of intermediate duration middle ear ventilation using laser tympanic membrane fenestration (LTMF) without tube insertion and as an adjunct to adenoidectomy in resolving middle ear disease within the first 90 days after surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

This pilot study was a multicenter, prospective clinical cohort trial. Institutional review board approval and informed consent were obtained. The study involved four tertiary care pediatric otolaryngology departments. Fifty children (96 ears) were treated with LTMF in conjunction with A+/-T from June 1, 1998, through March 30, 1999. Ages ranged from 9 months to 12 years. Patients undergoing A+/-T who would have been recommended for PET insertion instead underwent middle ear ventilation with LTMF using the Oto-LAM device (ESC/Sharplan, Yokneam, Israel). Patients were seen at 30, 60, and 90 days postoperatively. Resolution of otitis media with effusion was determined by clinical examination, which included pneumatic otoscopy, audiometry, and tympanometry.

RESULTS

Of the treated ears, 88%, 86%, and 83% had clinical resolution of middle ear disease at 30, 60, and 90 days, respectively. Preoperatively, 45% (n = 85) of ears had normal hearing; 92% (n = 49) had normal hearing at 90 days. Eighty-nine percent (n = 92) had type C2 or B tympanograms preoperatively, and 12% (n = 60) had type C2 or B at 90 days.

CONCLUSION

Laser tympanic membrane fenestration in conjunction with adenoidectomy was effective in restoring normal middle ear function at 90 days post-treatment in greater than 80% of children who otherwise may have had placement of PETs.

Atypical indications for OtoScan laser-assisted myringotomy

OBJECTIVE

To describe the role of OtoScan laser-assisted myringotomy (OtoLAM) for indications other than chronic otitis media or recurrent acute otitis media.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional review.

METHODS

Twenty-seven office-based OtoLAM procedures were performed in 21 patients for "atypical" reasons. The indications included middle ear dysfunction with necessary air travel (n = 10) or hyperbaric oxygen treatment (n = 6), mastoiditis with postauricular cellulitis (n = 2), canal exostosis prohibiting tympanostomy (n = 1), acute otitis media accompanied by seizures (n = 1), and chronic middle ear effusion in a patient with hemophilia (n = 1).

RESULTS

In each of the 20 cases available for follow-up, middle ear disease resolved with closure of the laser-assisted myringotomy. At a later date, two patients (10%) underwent another OtoLAM in the opposite ear and four patients (20%) required repeat OtoLAM in the same or both ears. Three patients (15%) ultimately underwent myringotomy tube placement because of recurrent middle ear dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

Although this report contains preliminary data, the data suggest that OtoLAM may provide an additional option in the care of certain patients who have previously been treated with myringotomy tubes.

Office-based laser assisted tympanic membrane fenestration in adults and children: pilot data to support an alternative to traditional approaches to otitis media

OBJECTIVES

To determine the role of intermediate duration ( approximately 3 weeks) middle ear ventilation using office-based laser assisted tympanic membrane fenestration in resolving an episode of otitis media with effusion in adults and children who otherwise would have been treated with insertion of pressure equalization tubes.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 92 patients (162 ears) was conducted to identify the utility and technical challenges associated with laser assisted tympanic membrane fenestration in an office setting. Clinical characteristics reviewed included: age, gender, duration of effusion, season performed, and hearing and health status of middle ear upon healing of the fenestration.

RESULTS

69% of all patients were effusion free upon closure of the fenestration; 68% of those <3 years; 70% of those 3-7 years; and 70% of those 25-80 years. Some episodes recurred and at final follow-up 64% had normal middle ear structure and function (range of follow-up =1-18 months, mean 2.5 months, median 2.0). Shorter duration of effusion pre-fenestration was more often associated with return to normal middle ear structure and function (P<0.01). Season performed, number of previous episodes of otitis media and pre-treatment tympanometry were not predictive of result. No significant complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of office-based laser assisted tympanic membrane fenestration is a reasonably safe and effective procedure for the treatment of otitis media in most adults and children. As a minimally invasive otologic procedure, laser assisted tympanic membrane fenestration has great potential to decrease the rates of both antibiotic usage and insertion of ear tubes.

Description of an Office Technique for Laser Ventilation of the Ears

The author presents a description of a technique he developed called laser office ventilation of ears (LOVE). LOVE, an office-based procedure performed under local anesthesia, can provide intermediate-term ventilation for middle ear disease. This procedure has potential to change the standard of care for otitis media. Such changes might include a decrease in the need for antibiotics (and thus antibiotic resistance), a decrease in hearing loss associated with otitis media, and a decrease in the overall cost of treatment.

Office-based insertion of pressure equalization tubes: the role of laser-assisted tympanic membrane fenestration

OBJECTIVE

To describe the role of the hand-held otoscope combined with a flashscanner CO2 laser, OtoLAM (ESC/Sharplan, Yokneam, Israel), for pressure equalization tube (PET) insertion in an office setting.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, multisite, clinical cohort trial (Institutional Review Board approved; informed consent) in the setting of pediatric otolaryngology outpatient departments at four tertiary care children's hospitals.

METHODS

Selected for the study were 54 patients (96 ears), ages 6 months to 23 years, who met standard indications for PET insertion using cold-knife myringotomy and tube insertion under general anesthesia. PETs were indicated for recurrent otitis media, chronic otitis media with effusion, and eustachian tube dysfunction-all unresponsive to medical therapy. Topical anesthesia was achieved with iontophoresis (n = 1) or topical anesthesia: 8% tetracaine on an Otowick (Xomed Surgical Products, Jacksonville, FL, catalogue No. 400141) against the tympanic membrane for 45 to 180 minutes (n = 53). Laser-assisted tympanic membrane fenestration was performed with the OtoLAM set at single pulse, 2.0- to 2.6-mm spot size, and between 3 and 18 W. Insertion of grommets was accomplished using the otomicroscope and an "alligator" microforceps. Restraints with papoose were used in 79% of children with a mean age of 34.4 months (SD = 60.9 mo). Clinical, parent/patient, and physician satisfaction and comparative cost impact outcomes are described.

RESULTS

All ears but three (3%) underwent successful placement of a PET. Pain was described as "absent" in 39%, "present but tolerable" in 30%, and "severe" in 30% of children at the time of procedure; 5 minutes after the procedure pain was described as "absent" in 75%, "present but tolerable" in 22%, and "severe" in 3%. Tube plugging (3 of 74 available ears; 4%) or persistent otorrhea (1 of 74 ears; 1.4%) occurred infrequently at the 1-month follow-up. Before PET insertion, hearing loss was noted in 66% of cases (mild, 38%; moderate, 22%; and severe, 6%). Mild hearing loss was noted in only 8% and moderate hearing loss in 2% of 47 (50%) of the ears at the 3-month follow-up. Ninety-two percent of parents were highly satisfied with the procedure in preference to PETs in the operating room under general anesthesia, and 97% preferred OtoLAM with PET insertion, rather than further courses of antibiotics; only one parent would rather have had the PET insertion under general anesthesia. Cost savings to health care organizations, particularly payers, and to parents are substantial (32%-48%) and warrant attention. Cost to the physician is manageable only if an appropriate approach to the third party payers results in a substantial increase in reimbursements.

CONCLUSIONS

The data indicate excellent clinical effectiveness, reduced risk, and high parent and physician satisfaction. Strong incentives for physicians to use this technique are in all stakeholders' best interests. These incentives need to evolve as soon as possible for the more widespread acceptance of OtoLAM with PET insertion in an office setting for appropriately selected patients.