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Outcomes of examination under anaesthesia of post-nasal space and grommet insertion in adults presenting with otitis media with effusion

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 June 2021

H Mohammed ,
M H Qureshi  and
P Yates
H Mohammed*
Affiliation:
Department of ENT, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
M H Qureshi
Affiliation:
Department of Surgery, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
P Yates
Affiliation:
Department of ENT, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Mr Hassan Mohammed, Department of ENT, Freeman Hospital, Freeman Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK E-mail: hmohammed@nhs.net
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Abstract

Background

In adults, otitis media with effusion causes considerable morbidity and has poorly established outcomes. A small number of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients present with isolated ear-related symptoms. The investigation of choice for these patients is a point of debate.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a local database of adult patients who underwent examination under anaesthesia of the post-nasal space with grommet insertion for otitis media with effusion between January 2014 and January 2016.

Results

Ninety-eight patients met the inclusion criteria. Follow-up duration ranged from 39 to 63 months. Complications of grommets were present in 36 out of 98 patients (36.73 per cent). The findings of examination under anaesthesia of the post-nasal space were documented as abnormal in three patients. No patient was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Conclusion

Grommets in adults with otitis media with effusion as the sole presenting feature carry a high complication rate, especially in those with previously inserted grommets. Examination under anaesthesia of the post-nasal space offers a low yield. A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the post-nasal space may be a more sensitive alternative.

Keywords

NasopharynxNasopharyngeal CancerMiddle Ear VentilationMiddle Ear Effusion
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 135 , Issue 7 , July 2021 , pp. 620 - 624
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press

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Footnotes

Mr H Mohammed takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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