Objective to report outcomes of balloon dilation Eustachian tuboplasty combined with
tympanostomy tube insertion and middle ear pressure equalization
therapy in treatment of recurrent
secretory otitis media. Methods Fifty one patients with recurrent
secretory otitis media (62 ears) underwent balloon dilation of Eustachian tube and tympanic tube insertion under
general anesthesia, followed by long term middle ear pressure equalization
therapies. The Eustachian tube score (ETS) and Eustachian tube function questionnaire (ETDQ-7) were used for pre- and postoperative (up to 12 months) evaluation of Eustachian tube functions. Results The mean ETS score was 2.34 ± 0.97 preoperatively, and 6.17 ± 1.54, 7.23 ± 1.62, 8.24 ± 1.97, and 7.63 ± 1.86 at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, respectively (P < 0.05). The ETDQ-7 score was 4.82 ± 1.07 preoperatively, and 2.20 ± 0.54, 2.32 ± 0.68, 2.53 ± 0.79, and 2.67 ± 0.76 at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusion Balloon dilation of Eustachian tube combined with
tympanostomy and catheterization resulted in significant improvement of subjective symptoms and objective evaluation of Eustachian tube functions in most patients with recurrent
secretory otitis media, as indicated by the ETS and ETDQ-7 scores, demonstrating high levels of efficacy and patient satisfaction.