Atypical indications for OtoScan laser-assisted myringotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the role of OtoScan laser-assisted myringotomy (OtoLAM) for indications other than chronic otitis media or recurrent acute otitis media. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional review. METHODS: Twenty-seven office-based OtoLAM procedures were performed in 21 patients for "atypical" reasons. The indications included middle ear dysfunction with necessary air travel (n = 10) or hyperbaric oxygen treatment (n = 6), mastoiditis with postauricular cellulitis (n = 2), canal exostosis prohibiting tympanostomy (n = 1), acute otitis media accompanied by seizures (n = 1), and chronic middle ear effusion in a patient with hemophilia (n = 1). RESULTS: In each of the 20 cases available for follow-up, middle ear disease resolved with closure of the laser-assisted myringotomy. At a later date, two patients (10%) underwent another OtoLAM in the opposite ear and four patients (20%) required repeat OtoLAM in the same or both ears. Three patients (15%) ultimately underwent myringotomy tube placement because of recurrent middle ear dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Although this report contains preliminary data, the data suggest that OtoLAM may provide an additional option in the care of certain patients who have previously been treated with myringotomy tubes.