Comparative Study between Intra Tympanic Injection of Steroids and Surgical Treatment in Management of Otitis Media with Effusion.

Background: Various treatments have been employed for persistent otitis media with effusion (OME), including intra-tympanic steroid injections, pharmacological interventions, and surgical procedures. However, controversies are present regarding the optimum method of treatment.Aim of the work: to compare intra-tympanic steroid injections versus surgical treatment with ventilation tube insertion in treating OME. Methods: This interventional randomized controlled study included (50) patients with OME who were divided into two groups: group A consisted of 25 patients who were exposed tointra-tympanic steroid injections, and group B consisted of 25 patients who were exposed to surgical treatment with ventilation tube insertion.Results: Regarding the otological examination (otoscope), there was a statistically significant difference between injection and grommet cases. There was an insignificant difference between the studied cases regarding intra-operative complications. The success rate among injection cases was about 80%. The success rate among Grommet cases was about 88%. There was an insignificant difference between the studied cases regarding the healing of TM.Conclusion: Both approaches effectively improve hearing outcomes and resolve middle ear effusion. However, intra-tympanic steroid injections proved to be a minimally invasive, well-tolerated option, particularly suitable for patients unwilling or unable to undergo surgery. While more invasive, surgical intervention provided definitive resolution in cases with significant structural changes or prolonged effusion.