Contributor: Gresham T. Richter, MD (Arkansas Children’s Hospital)
Pressure equalization tube placement is one of the most common procedures in the pediatric population. This video demonstrates the surgeon’s view of the right ear through the operative microscope.
Indications: recurrent otitis media with effusion, chronic otitis media with effusion (>3 months duration), speech/language delay secondary to otitis. Instruments: operative microscope, ear speculum, ear curette, myringotomy knife, suction tube, pressure equalization tube
Procedure Steps:
1. Speculum inserted into external auditory canal
2. Cerumen removed with the curette (not shown in video)
3. Myringotomy performed on anterior-inferior quadrant of tympanic membrane
4. Fluid aspirated with suction tube
5. Pressure equalization tube (PET) inserted and secured
6. Antibiotic otic drops applied
7. Cotton dressing applied
Recommended Resource: Lambert E, Roy S. Otitis media and ear tubes. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2013;60(4):809-26. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23905821
The authors have no conflicts of interest or financial disclosures.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17797/fzlqossgrh