Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, St Elizabeth's Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02135, USA.
Otol Neurotol. 2012 Dec;33(9):1549-52. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0b013e31826a50c3.
Eustachian tube dysfunction is a common problem and transnasal endoscopic balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube (ET) is a new surgical technique. The goal of this study is to review the evolution of this novel technique and study the preliminary outcomes.
Balloon catheter dilation of the 100 Eustachian tubes in 70 adults was performed at a tertiary medical center from January 2009 to January 2011. A 5-mm sinus balloon catheter was endoscopically placed transnasally into the proximal ET to dilate the cartilaginous ET. Cases were reviewed with respect to indications, outcomes, and complications.
Of the 100 ETs, ear fullness and pressure were improved in 71% of patients studied for 26.3 weeks (± 3.6). Of 8 patients followed for a minimum of 34 months, 87% reported persistent improvement. One complication is reported.
Endoscopic transnasal ET balloon dilation is a novel approach to treating ET dysfunction. Benefits can be durable up to 3 years. This technique holds much promise and merits further investigation.
咽鼓管功能障碍是一种常见问题，经鼻内镜球囊扩张咽鼓管（ET）是一种新的手术技术。本研究旨在回顾该新技术的演变并研究初步结果。
在 2009 年 1 月至 2011 年 1 月期间，在一家三级医疗中心对 70 名成年人的 100 个咽鼓管进行了球囊导管扩张。通过内镜将 5mm 鼻窦球囊导管经鼻内置于近端 ET 以扩张软骨 ET。对适应证、结果和并发症进行了病例回顾。
在接受 26.3 周（±3.6）随访的 100 例 ET 中，71%的患者耳部饱满和压力得到改善。8 名随访时间至少 34 个月的患者中，87%的患者报告持续改善。报告了 1 例并发症。
经鼻内镜 ET 球囊扩张是治疗 ET 功能障碍的一种新方法。该技术的益处可持续长达 3 年。该技术具有很大的前景，值得进一步研究。
