Myringotomy vs. Myringotomy with Grommet Insertion for Treatment of Secretory Otitis Media with Effusion

Background: This study compares the effectiveness of myringotomy alone versus myringotomy with grommet insertion in managing secretory otitis media with effusion (OME). The findings will assist clinicians in selecting the optimal treatment approach, ensuring timely and effective hearing restoration to support better language development in affected patients. To evaluate and compare the outcomes of myringotomy versus myringotomy with grommet insertion for the treatment of OME. Methods: The study design was a Randomized controlled trial conducted at the Department of ENT, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, from June 10, 2023, to December 10, 2023. Male and female patients aged 1 to 15 diagnosed with OME were included in the study. Participants were randomised into two equal groups: Group A (myringotomy with grommet insertion) and Group B (myringotomy alone). Treatment response was assessed based on hearing improvement, and tympanogram results two weeks after the intervention. Results: The mean age of patients was 9.67±2.84 years in Group A and 10.27±2.59 years in Group B. The male-to-female ratio was 2.3:1 in Group A and 1.6:1 in Group B. Hearing improvement was observed in 91.6% (76/83) of patients in Group A, compared to 81.9% (68/83) in Group B. Tympanogram improvement was noted in 94.0% (78/83) of patients in Group A and 84.3% (70/83) in Group B. Conclusion: Myringotomy with grommet insertion showed superior hearing and tympanogram improvement outcomes compared to myringotomy alone. This highlights the importance of grommet insertion as an effective intervention for OME.