Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the sociodemographic characteristics and atopy conditions in patients who were treated with single ventilation tube (VT) and those who underwent recurrent VT.

METHODS: Data of 97 patients who underwent VT surgery for otitis media with chronic effusion between January 2015 and March 2017 in the Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Clinic of Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital were examined. Patients who underwent single VT surgery (n=49; 25 males, 24 females; mean age 6.3±3 years; range, 2 to 13 years) were identified as group 1 and patients who underwent recurrent VT surgery (n=48; 27 males, 21 females; mean age 9±3 years; range, 4 to 15 years) were identified as group 2. All patients’ otorhinolaryngological examinations were performed and operative notes, VT types, duration of tube stay, comorbid diseases, sociodemographic characteristics and atopy conditions were questioned. Patients were applied skin prick test. Data of both groups were compared statistically.

RESULTS: Mean age of group 2 was statistically significantly higher compared to group 1 (p<0.001). While atopy and positive skin prick test rates were statistically significantly higher in group 2 (p=0.017 and p=0.032, respectively), mean number of people living at home was statistically significantly lower (p=0.016). No statistically significant difference was detected between groups’ mean numbers of rooms at home, having a pet, or smoking rates at home.

CONCLUSION: While applying VT in the surgical treatment of otitis media with chronic effusion, sociodemographic characteristics of the patient should be considered. Patients with atopy and positive skin prick test should be informed that they are at risk for recurrent disease.