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BackTable / ENT / Podcast / Episode #100

Tympanic Membrane Perforation in Children

with Dr. Daniel Choo and Dr. Walter Kutz

In this episode of BackTable ENT, Dr. Gopi Shah, Dr. Walter Kutz (UT Southwestern), and Dr. Daniel Choo (Cincinnati Children’s Hospital) discuss indications and repair techniques for tympanic membrane perforation in children.

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Tympanic Membrane Perforation in Children with Dr. Daniel Choo and Dr. Walter Kutz on the BackTable ENT Podcast)
Ep 100 Tympanic Membrane Perforation in Children with Dr. Daniel Choo and Dr. Walter Kutz
00:00 / 01:04

BackTable, LLC (Producer). (2023, March 30). Ep. 100 – Tympanic Membrane Perforation in Children [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.backtable.com

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Podcast Contributors

Dr. Daniel Choo discusses Tympanic Membrane Perforation in Children on the BackTable 100 Podcast

Dr. Daniel Choo

Dr. Daniel Choo is the director of Pediatric Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in Ohio.

Dr. Joe Walter Kutz discusses Tympanic Membrane Perforation in Children on the BackTable 100 Podcast

Dr. Joe Walter Kutz

Dr. Joe Walter Kutz is a neurotologist and Professor of Otolaryngology and Neurosurgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX.

Dr. Gopi Shah discusses Tympanic Membrane Perforation in Children on the BackTable 100 Podcast

Dr. Gopi Shah

Dr. Gopi Shah is a pediatric otolaryngologist and the co-host of BackTable ENT.

Synopsis

First, the doctors discuss the typical patient presentation of a child with a perforated tympanic membrane (TM). Tympanostomy tubes falling out are the most common causes of this condition. Trauma and suppurative otitis media can also cause a TM perforation. The doctors emphasize the importance of taking a thorough history and asking about previous tubes, craniofacial abnormalities, the function of the contralateral ear, and recent trauma. Then, they discuss physical exam techniques to inspect the affected ear. All agree that using a standard otoscope is most useful in clinic, as the endoscope is more useful in the OR. Additionally, Dr. Choo notes that he usually streams the inspection on video monitors on the wall for kids and families to see.

Not all children with TM perforations have to undergo tympanoplasty. If there is a small perforation without hearing loss, watchful waiting may be appropriate. However, Dr. Kutz adds that if there is evidence of cholesteatoma or severe hearing loss, repair may be the best option after explaining all options to the parents. The doctors then weigh the risks and benefits of immediate TM repair versus watchful waiting and assess whether size and location of perforation matter. They conclude that the functional status of the children, evident through school performance and language development, have an important contribution when choosing a treatment option as well.

Next, the doctors discuss different tympanoplasty techniques, including different types of grafts (cartilage, fat, synthetic, etc.), ways to shape the grafts, and taking a microscopic versus endoscopic approach to the repair surgery. They also discuss common causes of failure and postoperative complications. Finally, they each explain their postoperative regimens and alternative rehab options if hearing does not improve enough after surgery.

Resources

Transcript Preview

[Dr. Walter Kutz] My overall big three criteria to fix a perforation would be if there is evidence of a cholesteatoma, if they have chronic otorrhea that they're on multiple sets of ototopical drops, and maybe sometimes they get a lot of oral antibiotics from their pediatrician, and then if they have really significant hearing loss. Those are the kids I would typically address, but a kid with a cleft palate, other syndromic issues, higher risk of eustachian dysfunction, oftentimes I'll try to follow them as long as I can, and a lot of times, even if it's some hearing loss, they can wear a hearing aid pretty successfully.

Disclaimer: The Materials available on BackTable.com are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.

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Tympanoplasty 101: How to Fix a Tympanic Membrane Perforation

Tympanoplasty 101: How to Fix a Tympanic Membrane Perforation

Pediatric Tympanic Membrane Perforation: Operative & Non-Operative Management

Pediatric Tympanic Membrane Perforation: Operative & Non-Operative Management

Topics

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Learn about Pediatric ENT on BackTable ENT

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