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Eustachian tube balloon dilatation: a cross-sectional, survey-based study of 137 UK consultants

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 December 2019

F S Koumpa ,
I Moraitis ,
P Bowles  and
N Saunders
F S Koumpa*
Affiliation:
Otolaryngology Department, Northwick Park Hospital, London, UK
I Moraitis
Affiliation:
Vascular Surgery Department, Milton Keynes University Hospital, UK
P Bowles
Affiliation:
Otolaryngology Department, Brighton and Sussex University Hospital Trust, UK
N Saunders
Affiliation:
Otolaryngology Department, Brighton and Sussex University Hospital Trust, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Mr Stefania Koumpa, Otolaryngology Department, Northwick Park Hospital, London, UK E-mail: s.koumpas@doctors.org.uk
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Abstract

Objective

To explore the opinions of the UK consultant body on endoscopic Eustachian tube balloon dilatation in the context of Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Method

A 10-question online survey was distributed to ENT consultants currently practising in the UK (July–September 2018).

Results

A total of 137 ENT consultants responded. Twenty-three per cent reported experience of Eustachian tube balloon dilatation, with a further 10 per cent planning to start performing the procedure. Of those performing the procedure, 16 per cent had more than two years’ experience. Thirty-two per cent were performing zero to five procedures a year. Eustachian tube balloon dilatation was primarily conducted to treat Eustachian tube dysfunction symptoms, as well as retraction pockets, baro-challenge-induced Eustachian tube dysfunction and otitis media with effusion. The most common reason for not undertaking Eustachian tube balloon dilatation was insufficient evidence of efficacy (65 per cent). Seventy-two per cent of consultants thought that creating a national database for audit and monitoring purposes would benefit the specialty.

Conclusion

The majority of UK ENT consultants do not practise Eustachian tube balloon dilatation, citing a lack of high-level evidence to support its use. A national database for auditing and research could facilitate the creation of guidelines.

Keywords

Eustachian TubeDilatationEar DiseasesSurveys And QuestionnairesUnited KingdomConsultants
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 134 , Issue 1 , January 2020 , pp. 41 - 45
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited, 2019

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Footnotes

Mr S Koumpa takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

Presented at the Association of Otolaryngologists in Training meeting, 9–10 May 2019, London, UK.

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