Outcomes of Concurrent Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty and Tympanostomy Tube Placement in Children.

Objectives: Balloon dilation eustachian tuboplasty (BDET) has been proven to be a safe treatment option for children with eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). This study aims to analyze the long-term outcomes of children who underwent concurrent BDET and tympanostomy tube (TT) placement. We hypothesize that patients who underwent simultaneous therapy have experienced a low overall rate of middle ear pathology and have consistent hearing quality at subsequent office visits.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of 19 pediatric patients (36 ears) who previously underwent concurrent BDET and TT placement. Patient charts within the extended postoperative period were reviewed. Specific data points included need for reoperation, rates of middle ear pathology, audiological outcomes, and number of previous TT placements.

Results: Pediatric patients who underwent concurrent BDET and TT placement had long-term success in 34/36 ears (94.4%). All postoperative tympanograms and audiograms (100%) were normal when performed within 12 months after the procedure. Notably, 34/36 ears (94.4%) had history of tube placement in the past. Patients had an average of three sets of tympanostomy tubes prior to undergoing concurrent BDET and TT.

Conclusion: Concurrent BDET and TT placement may be an effective treatment option for pediatric patients with persistent eustachian tube dysfunction. Specifically, BDET may be a useful adjunct tool in pediatric patients with refractory ETD despite having multiple sets of tympanostomy tubes. This study aims to strengthen the argument of performing multimodal therapy in pediatric patients with recurrent middle ear disease.

Level Of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:4799-4802, 2024.