Outcomes of examination under anaesthesia of post-nasal space and grommet insertion in adults presenting with otitis media with effusion.
- Resource Type
- Article
- Authors
- Mohammed, H; Qureshi, M H; Yates, P
- Source
- Journal of Laryngology & Otology. Jul2021, Vol. 135 Issue 7, p620-624. 5p.
- Subject
- *NASAL surgery
*DATABASES
*PATIENT aftercare
*ANESTHESIA
*RETROSPECTIVE studies
*SURGICAL complications
*TREATMENT effectiveness
*OTITIS media with effusion
*MIDDLE ear ventilation
*DESCRIPTIVE statistics
*LONGITUDINAL method
*ADULTS
- Language
- ISSN
- 0022-2151
Background: In adults, otitis media with effusion causes considerable morbidity and has poorly established outcomes. A small number of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients present with isolated ear-related symptoms. The investigation of choice for these patients is a point of debate. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a local database of adult patients who underwent examination under anaesthesia of the post-nasal space with grommet insertion for otitis media with effusion between January 2014 and January 2016. Results: Ninety-eight patients met the inclusion criteria. Follow-up duration ranged from 39 to 63 months. Complications of grommets were present in 36 out of 98 patients (36.73 per cent). The findings of examination under anaesthesia of the post-nasal space were documented as abnormal in three patients. No patient was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Conclusion: Grommets in adults with otitis media with effusion as the sole presenting feature carry a high complication rate, especially in those with previously inserted grommets. Examination under anaesthesia of the post-nasal space offers a low yield. A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the post-nasal space may be a more sensitive alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]