Impact of Pediatric Obesity on the Surgical Results of Ventilation Tube Insertion: A Case-control Study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of obesity on the surgical results of ventilation tube insertion for otitis media with effusion (OME) in pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: We conducted a case control study on children who underwent ventilation tube insertion. We examined differences in surgical outcomes of ventilation tube insertion between the case group (obese patient: body mass index of >= 95% of standard growth curve for children) and the control group (non-obese patients). A total of 187 patients (349 ears in total) who underwent ventilation tube insertion for OME were included in this study. Results: The duration of ventilation tube insertion was significantly shorter in obese children than in non-obese children (odds ratio: 2.85 95% confidence interval: 1.03-7.89, P=0.04). However, the recurrence rate of otitis media and tube-related otorrhea were not different between the two groups of patients. Conclusion: Pediatric obesity is related to the surgical results of ventilation tube insertion. Pediatric obesity was correlated with the duration of ventilation tube retention in otitis media.