Investigation of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction by Tubomanometry in Patients Undergoing Tympanoplasty for Chronic Otitis Media.

Abstract

Background: The eustachian tube is an anatomical structure that connects the nose, nasopharynx, middle ear, and mastoid air cells and has important functions. If the physiological functions of the eustachian tube are impaired, ear diseases may occur. There are many test methods used to evaluate the functions of the eustachian tube. However, none of these methods are accepted as the gold standard due to both the application difficulties of these methods and the reliability of their results. We aim to use tubomanometry for the detection of eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) and so to increase the success rates of ear surgeries in patients diagnosed with tubal dysfunction with easily applicable methods. Methods: In this prospective study, the tubomanometry results of 34 patients diagnosed with chronic otitis media who underwent tympanoplasty were compared with 34 healthy controls. The tubomanometry measurements of patients diagnosed with chronic middle ear disease (affected ear side) and the control group (healthy ears) were compared. Results: A statistically significant increase in mean rising time was found between the control group and the patient group at first month postoperative, sixth month postoperative (P < .01). In the control group, eustachian function was found to be normal (R < 1) compared with that of the all patient groups (P < .01, first month postoperative comparison P < .05). Conclusion: In the application of surgical methods used in the treatment of ETD, the ETD must first be determined with an objective test tool. According to the results of our study, one of the most objective tests that can be used in this regard is tubomanometry.