Tympanostomy tubes in children

Abstract

The insertion of tympanostomy tubes (TT) is the most frequently performed ambulatory surgery in children. Its objective is to obtain an adequate ventilation of the middle ear, a task normally carried out by the Eustachian tube (TE). The ET´s anatomy in children differs to that of adults, which causes its functions to be less eficient. The poor ventilation in the middle ear is in part responsible for the pathogenesis of acute otitis media. Recurrent acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion can affect quality of life of children by causing hearing impairment, delay in speech and scholar development, or infections that are more severe. The miringotomy with insertion of tympanostomy tubes procedure aims to surrogate the function of the Eustachian tube; its objective is to decrease the incidence of acute otitis media, decrease the severity of subsequent episodes and restore hearing.