Endoscopic closure of the eustachian tube.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) otorhinorrhea can rarely complicate lateral skull base surgery, necessitating sealing of the eustachian tube. Patulous eustachian tube (pET) can also be an indication for closure of the eustachian tube.

METHODS: Representative cases and the technique will be described.

RESULTS: The authors describe a technique used in three cases of CSF otorhinorrhea and one case of pET to successfully close the eustachian tube.

CONCLUSIONS: Previous reports have described methods of eustachian tube closure utilizing nasal endoscopic techniques. These techniques have relied on packing of the orifice and/or the nasopharynx for successful closure. The authors describe their experience with an alternative technique. The technique does not rely on any packing, which may become dislodged. It has the added advantage of potential reversibility in cases of pET.