Polydimethylsiloxane elastomer injection in the management of the patulous eustachian tube

Abstract

AbstractObjective:To determine the effectiveness of augmentation surgery using polydimethylsiloxane elastomer injection for the management of patulous eustachian tube.Method:All patients were treated with eustachian tube injection augmentation performed via a combined transnasal-transoral endoscopic approach. Clinical presentation, volume of injection, complications and initial response were all prospectively recorded. Longer-term follow up was conducted through structured telephone interviews using previously described patient-reported outcome measures.Results:Overall, 8 of 11 patients (73 per cent) derived complete or significant symptom improvement; 1 patient had significant improvements but was dissatisfied, and in 2 patients the symptoms were unchanged. The eight satisfied patients showed improvement in their quality-of-life scores.Conclusion:This study describes an effective treatment option for patulous eustachian tube. Unlike many prior published reports, previously described patient-reported outcome measures were utilised in order to allow more direct comparison.