AB221. Tonsil size as a predictor of recurrent otitis media with effusion following adenoidectomy and bilateral grommet insertion in children

Background: The aim of our study was to determine if tonsil size relates to recurrent otitis media with effusion (OME), in paediatric patients following adenoidectomy and bilateral grommet insertion.

Methods: This was a single centre retrospective study of all paediatric patients undergoing bilateral myringotomy and grommet insertion with adenoidectomy for persistent OME over a 1-year period from August 2016 to August 2017.

Results: No patients with grade 1 tonsils required further ventilation tubes, however, 11.1% of grade 2 tonsils, 11.7% of grade 3 tonsils and 12.5% of grade 4 tonsils required further grommets.

Conclusions: Larger tonsils (grade 3/4) appear to increase the risk of recurrent OME in paediatric patient following adenoidectomy and bilateral grommet insertion, however they do not influence the need for further grommet insertion.

Keywords: Otitis media with effusions; tonsils; grommets; adenoid