Our Summary
This research paper is a review and analysis of different types of surgeries used to treat a condition called Patulous Eustachian Tube (PET). The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and helps to regulate ear pressure. When this tube is too open, or patulous, it can cause symptoms like hearing your own voice loudly, echoing, or ear fullness.
The researchers looked at 20 studies published between 1990 and 2018, covering 914 cases. They categorized the surgeries into seven types: ventilation tube insertion, mass loading of the eardrum, Eustachian tube injection, plug surgery, shim surgery, tuboplasty, and Eustachian tube closure.
Results showed that all the surgical methods led to some improvement in symptoms, but plug surgery (81% improvement) and shim surgery (62% improvement) were the most effective. These methods also had a low rate of minor complications.
The researchers conclude that more studies are needed to compare these different surgical methods. In layman’s terms, if you have a constantly open Eustachian tube that bothers you, a type of surgery called plug surgery or shim surgery might be your best bet, but more research is needed.
FAQs
- What is Patulous Eustachian Tube (PET) and what symptoms does it cause?
- What are some surgical methods used to treat Patulous Eustachian Tube (PET)?
- Which surgical methods were found to be most effective in treating Patulous Eustachian Tube (PET)?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about ear tube surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include keeping the ears dry, avoiding activities that could increase pressure in the ears (such as flying or scuba diving), and attending follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress. Additionally, it is important to communicate any changes or concerns with your doctor promptly to ensure the best outcome from the surgery.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended ear tube surgery include those with chronic ear infections, frequent middle ear fluid build-up, persistent hearing loss, and Eustachian tube dysfunction. Ear tube surgery, also known as myringotomy, involves inserting small tubes into the eardrum to help drain fluid and equalize pressure in the middle ear. This procedure is commonly recommended for children who have recurrent ear infections or fluid build-up, as well as adults with similar issues. Other patients who may benefit from ear tube surgery include those with chronic sinus infections, allergies, or a history of ear problems. Ultimately, the decision to undergo ear tube surgery should be made in consultation with an ENT specialist who can assess the patient’s specific condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment option.
Timeline
Before ear tube surgery: The patient may experience symptoms such as hearing own voice loudly, echoing, or ear fullness due to a patulous Eustachian tube.
Consultation with an ENT specialist to diagnose the condition and discuss treatment options.
Pre-operative evaluations and tests to assess the patient’s overall health and suitability for surgery.
Discussion with the surgeon about the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of ear tube surgery.
Consent obtained from the patient for the surgery.
After ear tube surgery:
Recovery period in the hospital or outpatient setting, depending on the type of surgery performed.
Post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon, including medication management, follow-up appointments, and activity restrictions.
Monitoring for any complications or side effects of the surgery, such as infection or hearing changes.
Gradual improvement in symptoms over time as the Eustachian tube function is restored.
Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to assess the success of the surgery and address any concerns.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about ear tube surgery for Patulous Eustachian Tube (PET) include:
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with the different types of surgeries for treating Patulous Eustachian Tube?
- How long does each type of surgery typically take to perform, and what is the recovery process like?
- What are the success rates of each type of surgery in improving symptoms of Patulous Eustachian Tube?
- Are there any long-term effects or considerations to be aware of after undergoing surgery for Patulous Eustachian Tube?
- How will the surgery impact my daily life and activities, such as work or exercise, during the recovery period?
- Are there any alternative treatments or therapies available for Patulous Eustachian Tube that I should consider before opting for surgery?
- What is the expected timeframe for seeing improvement in symptoms after undergoing surgery for Patulous Eustachian Tube?
- How often will follow-up appointments be needed after surgery, and what can I expect during these visits?
- Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after surgery to help maintain the results and prevent recurrence of symptoms?
- Can you provide me with more information or resources about the specific type of surgery recommended for treating my Patulous Eustachian Tube?
Reference
Authors: Ikeda R, Hidaka H, Kikuchi T, Ohta N, Kawase T, Katori Y, Kobayashi T. Journal: Otol Neurotol. 2020 Sep;41(8):1012-1020. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000002753. PMID: 33169947