Objective: To assess the complication rates of self-manufactured polyethylene tube in Songklanagarind Hospital.
Material and Methods: A retrospective study was performed of 61 tympanostomy tube insertion cases in children at Songklanagarind Hospital during 1997-2004. Charts were reviewed for age, sex, clinical presentation, severity of hearing loss, surgical procedure performed and complications.
Results: The most common complication was otorrhea. Otorrhea occured in 18% within 12 months after tube insertion. A persistent perforation developed 8.1% after tube extrusion.
Conclusion: The outcome of children treated with self-manufactured polyethylene-tubes was favorable in comparison to the reported outcome of children treated with conventional tympanostomy tube.