The manometric investigation of tubal function

Evaluation of Eustachian tube function

“…Adequate function of the Eustachian tube is also considered one prerequisite for re-establishing a closed aerated tympanic cavity in tympanoplasty. Controversy exists when it comes to measuring this function and to whether the testing methods available are capable of giving useful clinical information (Sharp, 1970;Andreasson and Harris, 1979). Before discussing different testing techniques it seems appropriate to review some functional aspects of the Eustachian tube.…”

Paediatric tympanoplasty

“…Although there is evidence that adenoidectomy reduces the incidence of otitis media with effusion, (Gates, 1989), there is evidence that a previous adenoidectomy (Bluestone et al, 1979;Buchwach and Birck, 1980) fails to influence the operative outcome in tympanoplasty. Other factors found not to influence operative outcome were evidence of contralateral tubal dysfunction (Bluestone et al, 1979), a documented history of previous otitis media with effusion (Buchwach and Birck, 1980), demonstrable ipsilateral tubal function, as opposed to patency, (Sharp, 1970;Koch et al, 1990), and evidence of current or prior contralateral middle-ear disease (Shih et al, 1991). Some also feel that eustachian tube function can often recover after successful myringoplasty (Sharp, 1970;Tos and Lau, 1989).…”

“…Other factors found not to influence operative outcome were evidence of contralateral tubal dysfunction (Bluestone et al, 1979), a documented history of previous otitis media with effusion (Buchwach and Birck, 1980), demonstrable ipsilateral tubal function, as opposed to patency, (Sharp, 1970;Koch et al, 1990), and evidence of current or prior contralateral middle-ear disease (Shih et al, 1991). Some also feel that eustachian tube function can often recover after successful myringoplasty (Sharp, 1970;Tos and Lau, 1989). Hence there is good evidence not to base the timing of operative intervention on the state of the contra-lateral ear.…”