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Post-surgical tympanostomy tube follow up with audiology: experience at the Freeman Hospital

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 November 2011

C R Davies-Husband ,
C Harker ,
T Davison  and
P D Yates
C R Davies-Husband*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, UK
C Harker
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
T Davison
Affiliation:
Department of Audiology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle, UK
P D Yates
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr C R Davies-Husband, 2 Church Road, Bardwell, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 1AH, UK E-mail: camerondh@doctors.org.uk
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Abstract

Background:

Tympanostomy tube (grommet) insertion is a common procedure, with little guidance in the current literature regarding post-operative surveillance. Our institution implemented a protocol to follow up post-surgical grommet patients via audiology at six weeks.

Methods:

A retrospective audit of all patients less than 16 years old who had undergone grommet insertion during a three-month period.

Results:

A total of 149 patients had grommets inserted. Exclusion criteria left a cohort of 123 individuals; 82 (67 per cent) were followed up by audiology. Of these, 13 (11 per cent) did not attend follow up, and were discharged; 53 (43 per cent) were discharged from audiology with normal thresholds; and 16 (13 per cent) were referred back to a consultant. Therefore, the overall reduction in patients followed up by an otolaryngologist was 54 per cent.

Conclusion:

We recommend a six-week follow up with audiology following grommet insertion, allowing for referral back to ENT services in the event of related complications.

Keywords

Tympanostomy Tube InsertionGrommet InsertionAudiologyOtitis Media With EffusionMiddle Ear VentilationDuty To Recontact
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 126 , Issue 2 , February 2012 , pp. 142 - 146
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2011

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