Contact diode laser myringotomy and mitomycin C in children.

Abstract

To investigate the use of contact diode laser myringotomy (C-LAM), combined with topical mitomycin C, as an alternative method for prolonged middle ear ventilation in children with otitis media with effusion. Prospective study at a tertiary care pediatric institution. Fifteen children enrolled in the study. Mitomycin C was applied to the intact tympanic membrane in the right ears, whereas saline on the left side was used for controls. C-LAM was then performed in all ears. Outcome measures included healing rate and scarring, ear infection, and long-term audiometric follow-up. There was no significant difference in median healing rate. In each group, the median was between the third and fourth month. Normal hearing thresholds were obtained in all children at 2-year follow-up. C-LAM proved to be an effective method for medium-term ventilation, but topical mitomycin C before C-LAM did not prolong patency rate in our patients. No significant complication was encountered at 2-year follow-up.