A TREATMENT STRATEGY FOR PARS TENSA RETRACTION POCKETS IN CHILDREN

Dr. P.A. Tierney, S.P.A.Blaney, M.Oyarzabal, D.A. Bowdler

Department of Otolaryngology,University Hospital Lewisham

LONDON, UK.

 Retraction of the pars tensa due to poor middle ear ventilation combined with chronic otitis media can lead to ossicular erosion and cholesteatoma formation. We have examined the results of simple excision of the retraction pocket with insertion of a ventilation tube.

Thirty children presenting with retraction of grade II and III (Sade) have been followed prospectively. A total of thirty nine ears have been treated over a four year period. Twenty nine ears have healed with little or no retraction (75 %). Six ears have a perforation and four ears have healed with significant retraction. Air conduction thresholds have improved by an average of 13 dB in those ears that have healed without retraction.