The new method for treatment of Eustachian Tube (ET) dysfunction: Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty (BET)

The new method for treatment of Eustachian Tube (ET) dysfunction: Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty (BET)
Mahnaz Mohamadi, Mojtaba Mohammadi Ardehali, Masoud Motasaddi Zarandy
ENT Research Center, TUMS, Tehran, Iran

Background: The Eustachian tube (ET) is localized between the epipharynx and the middle ear, and has various functions. The main function of the ET is to facilitate
pressure equilibrium of the middle ear when necessary. Another function of the ET is to improve the drainage of fluids from the middle ear. Eustachian tube dysfunction is a common condition without an effective approved method of treatment. The symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) are: ears fullness, tinnitus, and hearing loss. Patients may also report autophony, discomfort, and pain. The BET has been recently proposed for treatment of this problem. The BET is indicated in patients when after elimination of all factors causing the Eustachian tube dysfunction, no sufficient improvement is observed.

Objectives: For the first time in Iran, we are going to perform and evaluate the effect of BET for Iranian patients with eustachian tube dysfunction diagnosed in Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Research Center in Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

Methods: In this method in brief: first, by the nasal endoscope, the surgeon enters the nasopharynx ostium of the Eustachian tube then places a balloon catheter in
the cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian tube. The balloon is then dilated to a pressure of 10 bars for 2 minutes with saline solution. Finally, the saline is aspirated
from the balloon and the catheter is removed.

Results: We are waiting to evaluate the results after finishing the study. Conclusions: More studies with longer duration of follow-up period and head to head comparison study are needed to approve the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of this procedure.