A comparison of medical treatment versus surgical treatment for the management of Otitis media with effusion

Abstract

Aims and objectives: This study is designed: To assess outcome of the two modes of treatment (medical and surgical) of otitis media with effusion in terms of their effectiveness and patient compliance, and to compare in terms of side effects and complications. Sample size: Forty patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria included in the study. They were divided into two groups by random allocation of medical or surgical mode of treatment. Thus each group consisted of twenty patients. Study setting: The study was conducted in the Department of ENT Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Results: In Medically Treated Twenty patients effusion did not resolve in most of the cases, and recovered after some time during the follow-up period. In remaining twenty patients treated surgically, there was immediate improvement in hearing in most of the patients. Conclusion: Complications rate is more in surgical treatment as compared to medical treatment. But in spite of this, surgical treatment is better option in our set-up r egarding effectiveness and patient compliance.