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Local anaesthetic Eustachian tube balloon dilatation: a prospective case-series analysis of 31 patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 April 2025

Edward Balai Open the ORCID record for Edward Balai [Opens in a new window] ,
Elizabeth Bullock ,
Talisa Ross  and
Mark Ferguson
Edward Balai*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
Elizabeth Bullock
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
Talisa Ross
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
Mark Ferguson
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
*
Corresponding author: Edward Balai; Email: Edward.balai@nhs.net
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Abstract

Objectives

Eustachian tube balloon dilatation performed for obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction can lead to improvements in symptoms and a reduction in Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 scores. While historically performed under general anaesthetic, studies have demonstrated that Eustachian tube balloon dilatation can be performed under local anaesthetic with equivalent efficacy. We describe our local anaesthetic protocol used to perform Eustachian tube balloon dilatation in the out-patient setting and report outcomes from our case series.

Methods

Prospective analysis of all patients undergoing Eustachian tube balloon dilatation between October 2019 and July 2024.

Results

Thirty-one patients underwent 40 dilatations under local anaesthetic. All were well tolerated, with no adverse events. There was a statistically significant decrease in the average total Eustachian Tube Dilatation Questionnaire-7 score of -6.75 points (p = 0.0029) at short-term follow-up and of -7.58 points (p = 0.034) at long-term follow-up.

Conclusion

Our study provides further evidence that Eustachian tube balloon dilatation for obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction can improve Eustachian Tube Dilatation Questionnaire-7 scores, and can be performed successfully under local anaesthetic in the out-patient setting.

Keywords

Eustachian tubeOtologic surgical proceduresDay surgeryAnaesthesiaAudiology

Information

Type
Main Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 139 , Issue 8 , August 2025 , pp. 681 - 686
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED.

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