[Diagnosis and treatment of complicated foreign bodies in the middle ear (5 cases reported)].

Objective: To investigate the sources of foreign bodies in the middle ear, and to analyze experience and lessons of clinical diagnosis and therapy.

Method: Five cases of foreign bodies in the middle ear with general information presenting to our department and receiving surgical treatment were reviewed retrospectively.

Result: The foreign bodies of 4 cases were inserted by trauma, while 1 case by iatrogenic injury. The remain of foreign bodies result in symptoms such as otorrhea and hearing loss, and long-term foreign bodies in the middle ear might cause mental effects. All 5 patients received surgical intervention under general anesthesia to remove the foreign bodies. We found that the foreign bodies of 3 cases located in the mesotympanum, 1 located in the epitympanum and the aperture of the eustachian tube, 1 located in the squamous portion of the temporal bone and the gas room of lateral wall of epitympanum.

Conclusion: Foreign bodies in the middle ear are prone to be missed diagnosed and misdiagnosed. Careful specialized examination is appreciated. Patients who are suspected with foreign bodies in the middle ear should regularly take temporal bone HRCT scan. Foreign bodies could be removed by surgery when a definite diagnosis is made.