An update on the treatment of otitis media with effusion in children. The indications for transtympanic drainage

: Otitis media with effusion (O.M.E.) is a frequent child's condition, with generally spontaneous recovery. Only a few cases, with some complications and chronic-O.M.E., present hearing loss and later verbal and academic delayed performances. We report our experience on treatment by tympanostomy tubes for O.M.E., at the Clinic of otolaryngology of the University of Pisa, since 1981 to 1993, resulting a progressively reduced number of these operations in the last period. We believe that both the inflamed upper airways care, and first choice adenoidectomy can explain the trend. Ventilation tubes must be placed only for persistent picture of O.M.E. and possibility of invalidity.