Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty

Operation time: 15-30 Mins

Anaesthesia: General

Admission: Day case

The eustachian tube is an essential structure running from the back of the nasal cavity to the ear on each side. This tube is dynamic in that it remains closed at rest, thereby avoiding transmission of upper airway noises and infection to the middle ear, but opens on swallowing or yawning to allow equalisation of pressure behind the eardrum. Dysfunction of the eustachian tube falls into 3 main categories:

• Obstructive - the eustachian tube does not open correctly

• Baro-challenge induced - opening does not occur readily enough when faced with rapid changes in pressure e.g. during flights

• Patulous - the eustachian tube remains open at rest

In cases of obstructive dysfunction the eustachian tube may be stretched to improve opening and re-establish normal lining within the tube. The procedure is performed through the nasal cavity by introducing and inflating a balloon in the eustachian tube under endoscopic guidance.

Post-operative instructions

• Only mild discomfort to be expected - use mild pain relief as required

• Restart any nasal steroid sprays the following day