Clinical Characteristics Associated With Re-Insertion and Postoperative Complication of Ventilation Tube Insertion in Pediatric Patients

Background and Objectives Otitis media with effusion is a common disease in the pediatric population. When medical treatment fails, ventilation tube insertion (VTI) is the best treatment choice. In this article, we aimed to analyze complications following VTI and evaluate clinical characteristics that increase the possibility of reoperation.Subjects and Method This study retrospective reviewed the medical charts of 287 pediatric patients who underwent VTI in our institute from May 2015 to June 2020. Patients were classified into two groups: the single VTI group, who were operated on once, and the multiple VTI group, who were operated on at least twice. We studied the differences between the two groups regarding patient demographics, the operative method, operative-related data, treatment outcomes, and complications.Results Our study included 181 patients (308 ears), consisting of 114 males (63.0%) and 67 females (37.0%). Among the patients, 141 patients (237 ears) were included in the single VTI group, and 40 patients (71 ears) were included in the multiple VTI group. There was a higher tendency of re-operation for patients whose age was younger at the first operation than for older patients and for those who had underlying diseases such as genetic diseases, developmental delay or language delay. We also found that the retraction state of the tympanic membrane after tube extrusion and earlier extrusion or obstruction of the ventilation tube was statistically significant factors associated with reoperation.Conclusion Our study identified factors affecting the possibility of reoperation. Regular follow-ups are necessary if these factors are present.