A Review of 2399 Ears for Postmyringotomy Tube Otorrhea

ObjectiveTo review consecutive myringotomy tube surgeries from 2005 to 2011.MethodRetrospective chart analysis of the last 2399 consecutive ears for myringotomy tube surgery from July 2005 to December 2011.ResultsOut of 2399 total ears reviewed, the total rate of otorrhea was 4.1% with 5.7% with no intervention developing immediate postmyringotomy tube otorrhea, 2.3% with ointment coated onto the tube developing otorrhea, 3.8% with ofloxacin instilled at time of surgery developing otorrhea, and 4.6% with cortisporin instilled at time of surgery developing otorrhea. Purulent middle ear effusions developed immediate postmyringotomy tube otorrhea in 7.3% of the ears, but no middle ear effusions developed otorrhea in only 2.8% of the ears. Sheehy collar button tube had the least amount of postmyringotomy tube otorrhea at 1.9%.ConclusionEarly postmyringotomy tube otorrhea is a frequent complication of myringotomy tube insertion with a rate of 4%, and the type of intervention at time of surgery with ointment or drops along with the type of tubes placed made a difference in the incidence of postmyringotomy otorrhea.