Question

Preoperative Diagnosis: Bilateral chronic serous otitis media; tonsillo-adenoiditis

Operation: Bilateral myringotomies and ventilation tube insertion; Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy

Procedure: With the patient in the supine position and under general endotracheal anesthesia, inspection was made under the operating microscope. The external canal was clear, tympanic membrane was divided. A purulent discharge appeared to be present. This drainage was suctioned out and the ear thoroughly lavaged. A ventilating tube was put in place and otic drops were administered. Same procedure for other ear canal.

The patient was placed in the Rose position (supine with the head over the table edge in full extension) and the adenoids removed with adenoid curettes and adenoid biopsy forceps. A nasopharyngeal sponge was put in place. The right tonsil was then grasped with tonsil forceps, dissected free, and removed with snare. Bleeding was controlled with suction cautery, The nasopharyngeal sponge was removed and no further bleeding noted. The patient tolerated the procedure well and left the OR in good condition.


3. What would account for the presence of purulent discharge?
4. What does the term otic drops mean, and why might they be used in this case?

Answer 1

3	Purulent discharge is the sign of infection from a wound. The colour of drainage changes and it gets thickened because of the infections within it. There is also the presence of WBCs. Purulent drainage generally increases with progression of infection.
4	They are the medication which are used to relieve pain, congestion, and swelling caused by middle ear inflammation (acute otitis media). They are also used to help remove earwax. Benzocaine is a topical anesthetic that helps to numb the pain.