Clinical practice guideline: tympanostomy tubes in children--executive summary

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2013 Jul;149(1):8-16. doi: 10.1177/0194599813490141.

Abstract

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) has published a supplement to this issue featuring the new Clinical Practice Guideline: Tympanostomy Tubes in Children. To assist in implementing the guideline recommendations, this article summarizes the rationale, purpose, and key action statements. The 12 recommendations developed address patient selection, surgical indications for and management of tympanostomy tubes in children. The development group broadly discussed indications for tube placement, perioperative management, care of children with indwelling tubes, and outcomes of tympanostomy tube surgery. Given the lack of current published guidance on surgical indications, the group focused on situations in which tube insertion would be optional, recommended, or not recommended. Additional emphasis was placed on opportunities for quality improvement, particularly regarding shared decision making and care of children with existing tubes.

Keywords: grommets; guideline; otitis media; pediatric otolaryngology; tympanostomy tubes.

Publication types

  • Practice Guideline
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Middle Ear Ventilation* / adverse effects
  • Middle Ear Ventilation* / instrumentation
  • Otitis Media / diagnosis
  • Otitis Media / etiology
  • Otitis Media / therapy*
  • Patient Selection*