A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
In-office endoscopic eustachian tube dilation
Authors: Toivonen Joonas, Dean Marc
Publisher: W.B. Saunders
Publication year: 2021
Journal: Operative Techniques in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Journal name in source: Operative Techniques in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Volume: 32
Issue: 2
First page : 121
Last page: 126
eISSN: 1557-9395
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otot.2021.05.010
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otot.2021.05.010
Obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction is a common health problem affecting both children and adults. Balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube is an increasingly popular treatment for medically refractory obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction and has widely been accepted in the treatment of adults. The procedure has traditionally been performed under general anesthesia. Performing balloon dilation under local anesthesia in an office setting provides advantages such as improved patient safety by avoiding the risks of general anesthesia, faster patient recovery and reduced treatment costs. The procedure itself is identical when performed under local anesthesia, but in order to accomplish a successful dilation there are certain details that have to be taken into account. We will describe a local anesthesia protocol and technique for safely and effectively performing balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube safely in an office setting.