Myringotomy - Laser Method

Opening into the eardrum is called myringotomy. Laryngologist is able to do it with or without insertion of a grommet. Severe acute otitis media, unresolved middle ear effusion (glue ear), recurrent barotrauma (trauma related to the changes of air pressure), and chronic eustachian tube (ETT) dysfunction are indication to perform that procedure. Laser myringotomy is a process of creating a round-shaped opening into the eardrum (about 2 mm diameter) by using carbon dioxide laser (grommet insertion is not necessary). It is precise and allows to good control of bleeding from the perforation edge. Usually, the hole created should close spontaneously within few weeks. It is very useful in in the management of acute and subacute middle ear conditions for example acute otitis media, post-flu "glue ear", and some cases of acute barotrauma related to air flights. This particular video presents laser myringotomy as a treatment for middle ear effusion.The round-shaped aiming beam is targetted at the anteroinferior quadrant of the eardrum which corresponds to the cone of light area. Two strikes of laser allowed to perform myringotomy successfullYY with a bloodless well-round hole. The plusating middle ear fluid is visible beyond the perforation.