Background and aims The effectiveness of classical tympanostomy in persistent and recurrent otitis media (OM) with presence of mucous effusion during surgery is unclear. We elaborated the modified technique of surgery in order to improve the complete aspiration of viscous content from posterior part of tympanic cavity. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the modified type of tympanostomy.

Methods A total of 67 children (134 ears) with OM and mucous viscous content during the myringotomy were included in Project. All cases were divided into two groups according to technique: simple (Group S) versus modified (Group M). Clinical and audio logical examination was performed every 3 months during 1 year after surgery. Otomicroscopical evaluation of ears was done under general anaesthesia in 12 months after tympanostomy, at the time of tube removal. Presence of retractions, adhesions, granulation tissue and effusion was noted.

Results Recurrence of OM was characteristic for 19% of ears from Group S and 2% of ears from Group M. Undulating hearing loss was recorded in Group S in 34% of cases, comparing to 7% of Group M. Attic retraction and adhesions in Group S were noted in 14%, in Group M – in 3% of cases.

Conclusion Modified technique of tympanostomy is more effective than simple one in preventing of hearing loss, formation of attic retraction, adhesions, recurrence of effusion and granulation tissue in children with persistent and recurrent OM and presence of mucous effusion during surgery.