AHEPA Hospital, Greece
Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is a common otological condition characterized by impaired ventilation, pressure regulation, and clearance of secretions within the middle ear. There is no gold standard diagnostic tool for this condition; Otoscopy and tympanometry are used to assess ear pressures. Subjective symptom severity is evaluated using the Eustachian tube dysfunction questionnaire-7(ETDQ7). Objective assessment of Eustachian tube opening is performed using tubomanometry, which provides a quantitative measure of tube function. Conventional medical management, including decongestants, antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, and auto-inflation techniques, often provides only limited or temporary relief, especially in refractory cases. Balloon Eustachian dilatation (BED) has emerged as a minimally invasive intervention for the treatment of obstructive ETD. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of patients with ETD after balloon dilatation post operatively. Method: this was a retrospective study of 13 patients with ETD who underwent balloon dilatation and were evaluated pre and post operatively by using tubomanometer and by completing ETDQ7 questionnaires. Results: 54% underwent unilateral procedures and 46% bilateral dilatation. A 67% improvement in the ETDQ7 was noticed in our patients post operatively. The R value on tubomanometer had a mean score of 1.39 and post operatively all of our patients R score was normalised. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study has shown the subjective and objective effectiveness of balloon dilatation. BET is a promising tool for treating ETD. However, further research needs to be carried out in order to see the long-term efficacy of dilatation in ETD population.
I am a UK medical graduate, have a BSc in pharmacological sciences, and a master’s degree in biomedical sciences. Have completed my training in Greece, AHEPA hospital. Have passed FEB-ORL and have done a mini fellowship in otology in AHEPA hospital.