Laser myringotomy

Abstract

Middle ear disorders like acute or chronic otitis media and barotrauma may require improvement of middle ear aeration. This can be achieved by transtympanic ventilation, i.e. creating a hole in the eardrum. This can be performed with a conventional knife (myringotomy with or without instillation of a ventilation tube), or as an alternative, laser energy can be utilized for perforating the eardrum (laser myringotomy). Several laser systems (e.g. CO2 and diode laser) have been used for laser myringotomy, working either in contact or noncontact mode. Laser myringotomy has been shown to be feasible and safe. Since perforations performed with laser stay patent for a longer time than conventional myringotomy but for shorter duration than following insertion of ventilation tube, laser myringotomy should be performed in selected cases where short-term ventilation is sufficient.