Beschreibung:
<jats:sec><jats:title>Objectives</jats:title><jats:p>Our hypothesis was that the rates of persistent tympanic membrane (TM) perforation following pressure equalization (PE) tube removal were not higher with topical phenol application. 1) Determine perforation rates using topical phenol. 2) Compare perforation rates using infiltration of lidocaine with epinephrine vs. topical phenol application.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Methods</jats:title><jats:p>This was a retrospective review of all patients undergoing insertion of Silverstein tube and microwick placement for dexamethasone infusion. The procedure was completed in an outpatient setting using either infiltration of lidocaine with epinephrine (control) or topical phenol (experimental). Dexamethasone (10mg/ml) drops were administered 3 times a day for 6 weeks, at which time the tube and wick were removed. All subjects were followed for 6 months for evidence of perforation or surgical repair. Fisher's exact test was used for statistical analysis.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Results</jats:title><jats:p>A total of 79 patients were identified. 27 underwent lidocaine infiltration and 52 had topical phenol application. At 3 months, the perforation rate for the lidocaine group vs. the phenol group was 11% and 21%, respectively (p=0.21). 5 total perforations were surgically repaired (2 from the lidocaine group and 3 from the phenol group, p=0.27). At 6 months, there was complete resolution of perforations in the lidocaine group and only 4% of the phenol group persisted (p=0.43).</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusions</jats:title><jats:p>Topical phenol appears to be a safe method of local anesthesia for PE tube insertion without significant increased risk of persistent perforation. Phenol also offers a cost‐effective, less painful, and less time‐consuming option in an outpatient setting.</jats:p></jats:sec>