Abstract
The tympanostomy tube was introduced as a treatment of chronic serous otitis media by B. W. Armstrong in 1954.
Although the concept of the use of the ventilation tube in the tympanic membrane has been widely accepted as an uncomplicated minor procedure, some complications do occur.
The most common complication following insertion of tympanostomy tubes is ear discharge, a distressing problem for both the patient and the physician.
From November 1979 to January 1981, we placed tympanostomy tubes in 442 ears, of which 26 ears were troubled with ear discharge.
We examined the background of otorrhea in these 26 ears, taking notice of nasal conditions, bacterial changes and clinical courses.
Based on the results thus obtained, we then prepared a manual dealing with the treatment of the otorrhea.
