Middle ear ventilation with the Castelli membrane tube.

This report evaluates the use of the Castelli type membrane tympanostomy tube in combination with adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy. One hundred and sixty two ears were studied. Children with mucoid or seromucoid fluid only were included. The ears were unprotected during swimming, bathing, etc. The average length of intubation was 7 months; 7 1/2 developed middle ear problems with the tubes in place and 7% developed external ear problems. All of these complications were treated without residua.