Chronic obstruction of the eustachian tube treated with a tympano—maxillary shunt

Abstract

Four patients with complete obstruction of the Eustachian tube were treated by the application of a shunt between the middle ear and the maxillary sinus with preservation of an intact tympanic membrane. Good aeration of the middle ear and improved hearing were obtained in all patients. No complications have occurred, but one patient has autophonia. Slipping of the tube in one patient necessitated re—operation. Pressure recordings performed from 2 months to 21/2 years postoperatively showed that air was passing up to the middle ear on forced breathing or the Valsalva manoeuvre in all patients.