Our Summary

This study is about a new, minimally invasive medical procedure for removing small growths, known as polyps, from the middle ear of cats. These polyps are often found in cats with inflammation in the outer or middle ear or the upper respiratory tract. The study involved five cats who all showed significant respiratory tract inflammation and had these small polyps.

The researchers used a technique called normograde rhinoscopy-assisted traction-avulsion (RATA) to remove the polyps. This method involves using a small, rigid camera (an endoscope) inserted through the nose to visualize the area, and then a grasping tool, introduced through the other nostril, to remove the polyps.

The procedure was successful in all five cats, with no complications. A follow-up check revealed clear improvement in all cases. One of the cats was re-examined with a CT scan and endoscopy a month after treatment, revealing significant improvement with no abnormalities in the ear canals, and mild chronic abnormalities in the tympanic membranes (the eardrums).

In simple terms, this research describes a new, less invasive method to effectively remove small growths in the middle ear of cats suffering from ear or upper respiratory tract inflammation.

FAQs

  1. What is the new minimally invasive medical procedure for removing small growths from the middle ear of cats?
  2. What is the success rate of the normograde rhinoscopy-assisted traction-avulsion (RATA) technique used in the study?
  3. What were the results upon re-examining the cats after the procedure?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about ear tube surgery is to follow the post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include keeping the ears dry, avoiding activities that could introduce water or bacteria into the ear, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns. It’s important to communicate any symptoms or changes in hearing to your doctor to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.

Suitable For

Ear tube surgery, also known as myringotomy with tube placement, is typically recommended for patients who have recurrent ear infections, fluid buildup in the middle ear, hearing loss, or chronic ear infections that do not respond to other treatments. This procedure is commonly performed on children, but can also be recommended for adults who have similar issues with their ears.

Timeline

Before the ear tube surgery:

  • The patient may have been experiencing symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss, recurrent ear infections, or fluid buildup in the middle ear.
  • The patient may have undergone various treatments such as antibiotics, ear drops, or hearing tests to address the underlying issue.
  • The patient may have been referred to an ear, nose, and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) for further evaluation and treatment options.
  • The otolaryngologist may have recommended ear tube surgery as a possible solution to alleviate the symptoms and improve the patient’s ear function.

After the ear tube surgery:

  • The patient will be monitored closely in the recovery room immediately following the procedure to ensure there are no complications.
  • The patient may experience some mild discomfort or drainage from the ear in the days following the surgery, which is normal.
  • The patient will have a follow-up appointment with the otolaryngologist to check on the ear tubes and assess the patient’s ear health.
  • The patient should avoid getting water in the ears and follow any post-operative care instructions provided by the otolaryngologist to ensure proper healing and function of the ear tubes.
  • The patient should experience improved ear function, decreased ear infections, and overall better quality of life after the ear tube surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about ear tube surgery include:

  1. What is the purpose of ear tube surgery for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with ear tube surgery?
  3. How long will the ear tubes stay in place and what should I expect during the recovery process?
  4. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  5. How will ear tube surgery improve my symptoms and overall quality of life?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  7. How experienced are you in performing ear tube surgery?
  8. What is the success rate of ear tube surgery for patients with similar conditions?
  9. Will I need to have the ear tubes replaced or removed in the future?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after ear tube surgery?

Reference

Authors: Oorsprong CW, Ter Haar G. Journal: J Feline Med Surg. 2023 Jun;25(6):1098612X231179077. doi: 10.1177/1098612X231179077. PMID: 37384389