Effect of Surgery for Nasal Obstruction on Improvement of Eustachian Tube Functions

Background: The equilibrium of air pressure between the atmosphere and the middle ear is maintained via the eustachian tube. Diseases of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses can impact the function of the eustachian tube. Before undergoing surgery for suppurative otitis media, it is crucial to assess eustachian tube function because it is a significant factor in the pathophysiology of both suppurative and non-suppurative otitis media. This study aimed to evaluate the nasal obstruction and the effect of nasal obstruction surgery on ETF and middle ear ventilation. Methods: One hundred patients with abnormal eustachian tube function and nasal blockage were included in this investigation. Tympanometry and eustachian tube function tests, such as the Valsalva and Toynbee maneuvers, were conducted the day before the nasal surgery and again one and two months after the procedure. Results: One month after surgery, 54(27%) ears had poor ETF and 146(73%) had good ETF. Prior to surgery, 164(82%) and 36(18%) ears had poor ETF. Two months after surgery, 150(75%) had good ETF and 50(25%) had poor ETF. Conclusion: Even though many writers think that for patients with CSOM, nose surgery should be done before tympanoplasty because it can help the Eustachian tube operate properly and may improve the outcome of middle ear surgery. Therefore, it is not possible to consistently offer septoplasty prior to tympanoplasty for all patients with CSOM and septal abnormalities. Therefore, it is recommended that ET tube function be evaluated in order to determine whether nasal surgery is required prior to tympanoplasty