Elective Tympanostomy Tube Removal at 2.5 Years: Results of a Protocol for Retained Tubes

Abstract

ObjectivesIn 2001, we instituted a protocol for the removal of retained tympanostomy tubes, delaying elective removal until 2.5 years after placement. It was hoped that this would decrease the number of surgeries without increasing the rate of permanent tympanic perforations compared to removal at 2 years.MethodsProtocol: Fluoroplastic Armstrong beveled grommet tympanostomy tubes were placed by a single surgeon supervising the residents. The children were seen at 6‐month intervals after placement. Children with a retained tympanostomy tube(s) at 2 years were seen again at 2.5 years, and the retained tubes were removed under general anesthesia with patch application. All were evaluated 4 weeks after surgery by otoscopy, otomicroscopy, behavioral audiometry, and tympanometry. Study: A computerized collection of patient letters and operative reports was queried to identify children treated according to the protocol between 2001 and 2022. Those with examinations at 2 years ± 1 month and 2.5 years ± 1 month and complete follow‐up were included.ResultsOf the 3552 children with tympanostomy tubes, 497 (14%) underwent tube removal. One‐hundred and forty seven children fit the strict inclusion criteria. Among those with retained tubes at 2 years, 67/147 (46%) had lost any remaining tube or tubes at 2.5 years and did not need surgery, 80/147 (54%) required unilateral or bilateral tube removal, 9/147 (6%) had a persistent perforation at 1‐year follow‐up, and 4/147 children (3%) required tympanic re‐intubation after either spontaneous extrusion or removal and patching at 2.5 years.ConclusionsDelaying tympanostomy tube removal until 2.5 years can cut the need for surgery in half with, an acceptable (6%) incidence of persistent perforations.Level of EvidenceFour case series—historical control Laryngoscope, 134:439–442, 2024