Atypical indications for OtoScan laser-assisted myringotomy.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the role of OtoScan laser-assisted myringotomy (OtoLAM) for indications other than chronic otitis media or recurrent acute otitis media.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional review.

METHODS

Twenty-seven office-based OtoLAM procedures were performed in 21 patients for "atypical" reasons. The indications included middle ear dysfunction with necessary air travel (n = 10) or hyperbaric oxygen treatment (n = 6), mastoiditis with postauricular cellulitis (n = 2), canal exostosis prohibiting tympanostomy (n = 1), acute otitis media accompanied by seizures (n = 1), and chronic middle ear effusion in a patient with hemophilia (n = 1).

RESULTS

In each of the 20 cases available for follow-up, middle ear disease resolved with closure of the laser-assisted myringotomy. At a later date, two patients (10%) underwent another OtoLAM in the opposite ear and four patients (20%) required repeat OtoLAM in the same or both ears. Three patients (15%) ultimately underwent myringotomy tube placement because of recurrent middle ear dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

Although this report contains preliminary data, the data suggest that OtoLAM may provide an additional option in the care of certain patients who have previously been treated with myringotomy tubes.