Comparison of tympanostomy tubes for endoscopic placement in adults with otitis media with effusion

Abstract Objective To compare the therapeutic effects of two types of tympanostomy tubes, in terms of extrusion time and recurrence rate, after endoscopic ventilation tube placement in adults with otitis media with effusion. Materials and methods The clinical data for 125 ears from 91 patients who underwent endoscopic ventilation tube placement was retrospectively reviewed. The ears included in the study were divided into Groups A and B. The Shepard tube was used in all ears from Group A. The T-tube was used in all ears from Group B. Extrusion time and recurrence rate were recorded and statistically analyzed. Results Group A included 103 ears (82.4%). Group B included 22 ears (17.6%). The average extrusion time for Group A was significantly shorter than that for Group B (160.5 ± 106.6 days vs 274.1 ± 120.5 days, p p  = 0.44). Conclusion Compared with the Shepard tube, the T-tube lasts longer in the ear drum in adult patients with otitis media with effusion. However, use of the Shepard tube, compared with use of the T-tube, does not significantly reduce the recurrence rate after extrusion.