Introduction Eustachian tube function is of central importance for the aereation of the middle
ear. A dysfunction can be associated with ototonus, chronic otitis media and cholesteatoma.
Eustachian tube dilatation is a treatment option to solve this problems. Although
widely performed little is known about the occurence rate of complications associated
with the eustachian tube dilatation.
Aim of the present study was to observe the rate of complications after eustachian
tube dysfunction
Material and methods: We evaluated 1840 cases of eustachian tube dilatation performed in a single center
between 2015 and 2019 with the Spiggle and Theis eustachian tube dilatation system
for complications.
Results We observed seven cases of hearing loss, four cases of emphysema and one disruption
of the balloon. In two cases of hearing loss a simultanous tympanoplasty was performed.
The overall complication rate is 0,6 %.
Conclusion The eustachian tube dilatation procedure has a low complication rate. Microlesions
of the tubal epithelium and middle ear pressure changes are assumed to be causative
for emphysem and hearing loss.
