Abstract
Introduction Myringotomy and ear tube placement (MTP) is the surgical treatment for otitis media
with effusion (OME), and it is the most common surgery performed in children. Several
guidelines have been developed to assist in the care of patients who become candidates
for MTP.
Objectives To evaluate the practice of Brazilian otorhinolarynogologists when performing MTP
according to the years of clinical experience. Secondarily, we also want to assess
if their practice regarding MTP varied according to the percentage of children treated
and the location of their practice.
Methods A 30-question survey was sent to otolaryngologists affiliated with the Brazilian
Academy of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology (Academia Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia
Pediátrica, ABOPe, in Portuguese) and/or the Scientific Department of Otorhinolaryngology
of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria, SBP, in
Portuguese). The questions included were carefully chosen to provide a profile about
the practices adopted in the pre-, peri- and postoperative periods of MTP.
Results The questionnaire was sent to 208 otolaryngologists, and there were 124 (59.6%) respondents.
Of those, 59.7% use antiseptics before surgery. Only 54 otolaryngologists, less than
half of the subjects in this study (43.5%), always place a tube during the procedure.
More physicians who practice in small cities recommend water precautions after MTP
when compared to other physicians (p < 0.001).
Conclusion The present study reveals that many respondents do not follow some of the recommendations
of the current guidelines of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck
Surgery (AAO-HNS) on OME, either perioperatively and postoperatively, or regarding
the option of placing a ventilation tube. This part of the care also varied depending
on the respondents' work location and experience in the medical practice.
Keywords
otitis media with effusion - tympanostomy tube insertion - children - survey
