Paediatric otitis media surgery in Norway.

CONCLUSIONS

In Norway there are large, regional differences in the incidence of surgery and combinations of surgery for otitis media.

OBJECTIVES

A descriptive study of complete national administrative data on frequency of surgery for otitis media in 2002.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study analysed anonymous patient data from the Norwegian patient registry for 2002 and measured rates of tympanostomy tube insertions, myringotomy and the combinations of adenoidectomies and tympanostomy tubes and myringotomy, respectively. Surgical rates were assessed by region and variations within the country were evaluated.

RESULTS

The peak age for surgical treatment of otitis media was 5 years. Tympanostomy tubes were inserted in more than half of the children treated and the analysis showed considerable regional variation in the rates and in choice of surgical treatment.