The effectiveness of the intentional lateralization of the tympanic membrane for the treatment of chronic adhesive otitis media

Abstract

Thirty-two patients diagnosed to have chronic adhesive otitis media either with or without cholesteatoma were operated on by the method of intentional lateralization of the tympanic membrane. Determining whether or not the middle ear space was aerated was then analysed by CT or a second operation. The results thus indicated that 23 out of 32 cases (72%) had aerated tympanic cavities. Twenty of 32 cases (63%) had continuous otorrhea before the operation, however, only one patient demonstrated such symptoms after the operation. The effectiveness of the lateralization of the tympanic membrane as a treatment modality for adhesive otitis media is also discussed.