Atypical indications for OtoScan laser-assisted myringotomy

Objective: To describe the role of OtoScan laser-assisted myringotomy (OtoL AM) for indications other than chronic otitis media or recurrent acute otit is media. Study Design: Cross-sectional review. Methods: Twenty-seven offic e-based OtoLAM procedures were performed in 21 patients for "atypical" reas ons. The indications included middle ear dysfunction with necessary air tra vel (n = 10) or hyperbaric oxygen treatment (n = 6), mastoiditis with posta uricular 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%) unde rwent another OtoLAM in the opposite ear and four patients (20%) required r epeat OtoLAM in the same or both ears. Three patients (15%) ultimately unde rwent myringotomy tube placement because of recurrent middle ear dysfunctio n. Conclusions: Although this report contains preliminary data, the data su ggest that OtoLAM may provide an additional option in the care of certain p atients who have previously been treated with myringotomy tubes.