TYMPANIC THERMOMETRY AND MINOR EAR SURGERY

Infra-red tympanic thermometry is a relatively new technique for measu ring body temperature which requires the minimum of co-operation and i s quick and easy to use. It is therefore ideal for use in children. It s use is becoming more widespread and as it is theoretically possible that minor ear surgery may interfere with function its reliability in these patients may be in question. Twenty-two children (mean age 5.3 y ears) who underwent myringotomy +/- grommet insertion had the tympanic temperature of each ear measured immediately before, and 15 minutes a fter, surgery on the recovery ward. No difference was found between th e pre- and post-operative temperatures (mean difference - 0.1 degrees C, p>0.1, paired t-test, hypothesized difference of 0). This thermomet er appears to be a reliable way of monitoring body temperature an a pa ediatric ENT recovery ward in patients who have undergone minor ear su rgery.