Tympanic membrane perforation following the removal of ventilation tubes in the presence of persistent aural discharge

This study considers the effect of the removal of a ventilation tube from the tympanic membrane of an ear which has been affected with persistent mucopurulent discharge for at least 3 months. The records of 332 patients were reviewed. Thirty-three patients with 34 ears satisfied the entry criteria. Tube removal cured 27 out of 34 ears (79%) of aural discharge within 1 month. The tympanic membrane healing rates were: at 1 month, 14 (41%); at 3 months, 23 (68%); at 6 months, 24 (71%); and at 1 year, 28 (82%). A table is presented comparing perforation rates from different ventilation tube studies.