A Brief Guide to Eustachian Tube Surgery

The Eustachian tube is a narrow tubular structure, connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose. Any chronic blockage of this tube as a result of a congenital defect or external injury is called eustachian tube dysfunction. The condition leads to inflammation and irritation in the lining of the nose, thereby narrowing the eustachian tube. Common illnesses such as cold or influenza could often lead narrow the eustachian tube. Additionally, instances of nasal allergy (also known as allergic rhinitis) and obesity could also predispose a person to eustachian tube dysfunction. The blog post gives you an insight into the eustachian tube dysfunction and its treatment.

Medical Treatment

Nasal Decongestion and Allergic Treatment

Nasal decongestants constrict blood vessels in the nose and reduce inflammation of the eustachian tube. Oral decongestants are effective for up to 4 hours whereas nasal sprays immediately decongest the nose. Our body gets used to such medications, thereby, their usage should be limited to up to three days in a row. Identifying and treating possible nasal allergies may help in minimizing inflammation of the lining of the Eustachian tube. Intranasal steroids and allergy shots could also reduce inflammation of the mucosal lining, and provide relief from eustachian tube dysfunction. Nasal steroids usually take up to two weeks of daily usage, before their effect is visible. Taking antihistamines may help in reducing the body’’s response to allergens, but are not as reliable as the nasal sprays.

Surgical Treatment

Surgeons resort to surgical treatment only when patients don’t get relief from medications. Through surgical procedures,  surgeons re-establish ventilation in the middle ear, by bypassing the eustachian tube. Postoperative benefits include hearing restoration, reduced affinity for ear infections and less pressure sensation in the ear.

Myringotomy

The surgical procedure involves the suction of any fluid within the middle ear cavity, through a tiny incision in the eardrum. The incision stays open for some time until the inflammation in the Eustachian tube lining completely resolves. The recovery time for the eardrum, in this Eustachian tube surgery is usually three days.

Usage of Pressure Equalization Tubes

Surgeons insert a small, hollow plastic or metallic tube, known as the pressure equalization tube into the eardrum, after removing any middle ear fluid through an incision in the eardrum. Over the time, the tube pushes out as the eardrum heals. The tube provides ventilation to the middle ear for six months to a year, and during this time period, the eustachian tube dysfunction completely heals. The procedure takes about five minutes, and a topical anesthetic in the case of adults, and a general anesthetic for children.

Wrapping up

Eustachian tube dysfunction could affect both adults and children. Several reasons such as allergic reactions, injuries or common illnesses could eventually lead to inflammation of the lining of the eustachian tube. Although the condition could be minimized using medications and decongestants at the early stages, for chronic cases, Eustachian tube surgery remains the only viable way. In such Eustachian tube surgery, recovery time ranges from a couple of days to several months, depending on the severity of the inflammation, but often, patients get permanent relief from such conditions.