[Gas ventilation through middle ear mucosa].

The possible effects of gas ventilation via the middle ear mucosa on middle ear pressure changes with N2O inhalation were studied. Sixty-seven ears without otologic problems were selected from among cases undergoing ENT surgery under general anesthesia. Anesthesia was induced by isoflurane or sevoflurane, and inhalation with a gas mixture of 21/min O2 and 31/min N2O was started under controlled respiration via endotracheal tube. Middle ear pressure was measured each minute with tympanometry just before and during N2O inhalation. Changes in pressure were plotted against time on an X-Y plotter, and the rate of middle ear pressure change and pressure change in 10 minutes were calculated. The following results were obtained; 1. In all cases, the middle ear pressure rose with N2O inhalation. However, the same concentration of N2O created different middle ear pressure changes in different individuals varying from 1.6 mmH2O to 107.8 mmH2O per minute. 2. The rate of middle ear pressure elevation tended to be greater in younger subjects, especially in children aged 4 to 7. 3. There was a negative correlation between the middle ear pressure change and pneumatization of the middle ear. 4. Sex, pulmonary function, and the N2O expiratory flow concentration did not contribute to the variability in the rate of the middle ear pressure elevation.