Nasal surgery and eustachian tube function: effects on middle ear ventilation

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the effect of nasal obstruction surgery on eustachian tube function and middle ear ventilation.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome.

Participants: Forty consecutive patients who underwent nasal surgery were evaluated for middle ear ventilation and tubal function.

Main outcome measures: Pre- and postoperative Valsalva and Toynbee tubal function tests, tympanometry and ear fullness sensation were evaluated for both ears of each patient.

Results: Results of postoperative tubal function tests were significantly better than preoperative ones (90% versus 46%; P<0.001). No significant difference in tympanometric values was found. The majority (95%) of the patients reported a postoperative improvement of ear fullness sensation compared with preoperative (25%; P<0.001).

Conclusions: Surgery for chronic nasal obstruction significantly improves clinical tubal function but 1-month postoperative tympanometric findings remain almost the same.