Serous otitis media and type 1 tympanoplasties in children. A retrospective study.

The prevalence of serous otitis media has caused a philosophical difference as to when a tympanoplasty should be performed in children. This retrospective study of 74 children (aged 3-17) who underwent 80 operations was undertaken to investigate this problem. The overall success rate for type 1 tympanoplasty was 66%. Age was not a reliable factor in predicting successful results. A history of recurrent serous otitis media was not an important indicator. Adenoidectomy did not influence the surgical outcome. The status of the nonoperated ear was probably a significant factor. Type 1 tympanoplasty has a reasonably good chance of success in children regardless of age and/or previous middle ear ventilation problems. However, a good clinical test of eustachian tube function is still needed to improve further the predictability of timpanoplasty in children.