CO2 laser myringotomy in children with otitis media with effusion

Abstract

Background: The study aimed to evaluate the clinical application of CO2 laser myringotomy in children with otitis media with effusion (OME) under topical anaesthesia in an office setting.

Methods: Laser myringotomy was performed with the CO2 laser Otoscan (OtoLAM) in 54 children (73 ears) with OME. The procedure on the tympanic membrane was performed under topical anaesthesia using Bonain's solution or 10 per cent Xylocaine (lidocaine) solution for 30 minutes before surgery. A circular perforation was created with a power of 15 W, single pulse duration of 200 msec and a scanned area of 1.9 mm in diameter.

Results: The mean healing time was 2.51 weeks (range 1-5 weeks). Effusion content was not a predictive prognostic factor for perforation healing time. Perforation location over anterior inferior or posterior inferior quadrants was not a predictive factor for perforation healing time. Xylocaine was the more effective anaesthestic. The OME resolution rate was 73 per cent.

Conclusion: Laser myringotomy provides intermediate duration middle-ear ventilation. It could be beneficial in selected children with OME.