Silicone plug insertion for treatment of refractory patulous eustachian tube after irradiation

Abstract

Atrophy of Eustachian tube-related tissues caused by irradiation in the head and neck region results in patulous Eustachian tube. Patients with this condition have very severe permanent aural symptoms. As yet, no effective medical or surgical interventions have been reported. We present the case of a 36-year-old female patient who developed patulous Eustachian tube after irradiation for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. A silicone plug was inserted into the patient’s Eustachian tube. Immediately thereafter, her aural symptoms resolved and have not recurred over the subsequent 3 years. Plug insertion is a potential intervention for severe patulous Eustachian tube after irradiation.

Keywords

• eustachian tube
• nasopharyngeal carcinoma
• kobayashi plug