Nasal surgery and eustachian tube function: effects on middle ear ventilation

Objectives: To investigate the effect of nasal obstructionsurgery on eustachian tube function and middle ear ventilation.Design: Prospective study.Setting: University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome.Participants: Forty consecutive patients who underwentnasal surgery were evaluated for middle ear ventilationand tubal function.Main outcome measures: Pre- and postoperative Valsalvaand Toynbee tubal function tests, tympanometry and earfullness sensation were evaluated for both ears of eachpatient.Results: Results of postoperative tubal function tests weresignificantly better than preoperative ones (90% versus46%; P < 0.001). No significant difference in tympanometricvalues was found. The majority (95%) of thepatients reported a postoperative improvement of earfullness sensation compared with preoperative (25%;P < 0.001).Conclusions: Surgery for chronic nasal obstruction signifi-cantly improves clinical tubal function but 1-month postoperativetympanometric findings remain almost the same.