Pediatric tympanostomy tube removal: factors affecting rate of persistent tympanic membrane perforation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.34631/sporl.3164Keywords:
Pediatrics, Tympanostomy tube, Removal, Tympanic membrane perforationAbstract
Objectives: To identify factors associated with persistent tympanic membrane (TM) perforation after elective removal of short-term tympanostomy tubes (TT) in children and to compare removal/repair techniques. Study Design: Retrospective cohort.
Materials and Methods: Children undergoing elective TT removal in a tertiary center (2015-2024) were included. Persistent perforation was defined as lack of TM closure at 6 months. Demographic, clinical and surgical variables were assessed, including tube dwell time, indication and technique (removal only, edge freshening, myringoplasty with Epidisc® patch, or both).
Results: Twenty-five patients were included (60% female), mean age at removal 8.4 years and mean tube dwell time 42.2 months. Persistent perforation occurred in 28%. No significant differences were found according to technique or TM intervention.
Conclusions: Persistent perforation after elective TT removal was frequent. Older age, female sex and prolonged tube retention may increase risk, with no clear benefit from concomitant local TM interventions.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Joana Ida Dias, Sara Raquel Azevedo, Francisco Alves de Sousa, Sandra Sousa e Castro, Miguel Bebiano Coutinho, João Lino
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