Current opinions in the management of otitis media complications

Introduction . The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and management of complications of AOM and COM over a period of 15 years in E.N.T Clinic “Iuliu Haţieganu”, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, and to discuss the new concept in their treatment. Methods . Between January 2001 to December 2015, patients admitted to E.N.T. Department, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, with the diagnosis of otitis media and an associated intratemporal or intracranian complication were analyzed retrospectively. The overall incidence of all complications and of each complication individually was determined. Results . A total of 930 patients were diagnosed with otitis media. Complications of otitis media were diagnosed in 35 patients; thus, the incidence of complications was 3.37%. We identified 27 (2.9%) intratemporal complications and 8 (0.86%) intracranial complications. The most frequent complication was labyrinthine fistula in 13 (1.39%) patients. Conclusion . The incidence of otitis complications remains significant in our department. Chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma is the most frequent etiology of complications. Labyrinthine fistula is the most common complication of otitis media.