Does Topical Otic Drop Use at Time of Tympanostomy Tube Surgery Improve Outcomes When no Middle Ear Effusion is Present

Overview

To determine whether the use of topical otic drops intra-operative and post-operative during tympanostomy tube placement reduces the rate of tympanostomy tube occlusion and post-operative otorrhea (ear drainage) during the initial 4-week post-operative period in subjects with no middle ear effusion (fluid behind the ear drum) present at the time of surgery. A within subject controlled study design will be utilized to study this effect. Subjects with absent middle ear effusion who are receiving tympanostomy tube placement will receive a standard protocol of Floxin topical drops during surgery and after surgery in one ear. Selection of ear (right ear or left ear) will be randomized. The primary measured outcome will be the rate of tympanostomy tube occlusion within first 4 weeks postoperatively. The secondary measured outcome is the rate of tympanostomy tube otorrhea (drainage) within first 4 weeks postoperatively.

Background and Significance: Two major factors affecting the delivery of quality patient care today are cost of care and development of antibiotic resistance. If no significant difference is found in the rate of tympanostomy tube occlusion and drainage in subects receiving ear drops after surgery and those not receiving ear drops, may help prevent the development of antibiotic resistance and could possibly reduce the cost of care for families. Tympanostomy tube(s) (TT) insertion is the most common otolaryngologic procedure for children and adolescents who suffer from chronic otitis media. TT(s) are inserted by a surgeon through the eardrum to regulate pressure in the middle ear and to aid with ear drainage and ventilation. In order for TT(s) to ventilate the middle ear space properly, they must remain unobstructed. Otorrhea is one of the most common complications following TT(s) insertion. Previous research has suggested that various factors may lead to TT(s) occlusion, including blood, debris, purulent otorrhea and tube size. A 2014 study by Conrad et al., found that patients with the presence of middle ear effusion at the time of surgery were more likely to experience tube occlusions than patients without fluid. However, studies demonstrating the most effective treatment for preventing postoperative otorrhea and TT occlusion are limited. How to reduce the risk of post-operative TT otorrhea and TT occlusion is a common question among otolaryngologists and researchers and the efficacy of ototopical drops has been debated for patients without middle ear fluid. There is conflicting information in the current literature about the utility of these topical otic drops in patients with dry ears on the day of surgery. A 2008 review of seven randomized controlled trials completed by Schmelzle and colleagues concluded that fluoroquinolone based topical otic drops are the most effective treatment for patients with acute otitis media and TTs when compared to systemic antibiotic treatment and placebo. However, this treatment has been long debated. A 1991 study published by Ramadan, Tarazi, and Zaytoun found that there was no statistical difference between treated vs. not treated group in the development of post-operative otorrhea; however, all of these patients had middle ear effusions at the time of TT placement. Concurrently, a 2009 ex vivo study by Burke and colleagues on clotted TT(s) found that the administration of a solution of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide produced patent tubes at a higher rate than antibiotic otic drops. Additionally, antibiotic resistance is a growing concern when treating with oral antibiotic therapy. While the placement of tympanostomy tubes does reduce the need for oral antibiotic therapy, resistant strains of bacteria such as methicillin-resistance staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have become more prevalent in children with tympanostomy tubes. Given the lack of evidence-based research, the decision for usage of topical otic drops when there is no middle ear fluid present is based on the subject's medical history and clinical judgment of the treating physician. Some providers opt to use topical otic drops in the absence of middle ear effusion, and some providers forgo the use of drops intra- and/or post-operatively. When topical otic drops are used as part of standard of care they are placed bilaterally, and patients receive variable amounts of otic solution intra- and post-operatively, also based on clinician preference. Some providers believe that the use of topical otic drops in the absence of middle ear fluid effectively lessens the potential of a post-operative negative outcome such as TT occlusion. If this is true, not using topical otic drops intra- or post-operatively exposes the patient to a higher risk of a negative surgical outcome. However, there is currently insufficient clinical evidence to support the efficacy of topical drops in that specific clinical scenario. If indeed topical otic drops do not effectively improve post-operative outcomes, then the use of them is exposing the patient to antibiotics and adding to the cost of their care unnecessarily. The goal of this present study is to demonstrate whether the use of topical ofloxacin otic drops in patients with absent middle ear effusion on the day of TT surgery impacts the development of post-operative tube otorrhea or occlusion. In the proposed study, subjects' ears will be randomized and ofloxacin drops will be administered intra- and post-operatively in either their left or right ear, depending on treatment group. Subjects will be followed-up at their 4-week appointment to determine presence of otorrhea and patency of tubes.