Middle ear pressure changes before and after septoplasty

ABSTRACT

This study included 50 adult patients suffering from longstanding nasal obstruction due to septal deviation. They were divided into 2 groups Group [A] comprised of 40 patients proved to have abnormal negative middle ear pressure [MEP] and group [B] comprised of 10 patients proved to have normal MEP [control group]. In group A, 60% of the diseased ears were found on the same side of the obstructed nasal passage. The mean MEP in the ipsilateral ear was -64.4 + 84.8 mm H20 preoperatively and following septoplasty increased significantly to -30. + 39.1 mm H20 [P <0.05]. In the contralateral ear, the mean MEP was -59 + 71.1 mm H20 preoperatively and following septoplasty increased significant to 20.2 + 37.7 mm H20 [p <0.05]. In the control group [B], all the patients exhibited no significant change in MEP in either ear following septoplasty