THE EFFECT OF EXOGENOUS SURFACTANT ON THE EUSTACHIAN TUBE FUNCTION IN THE GERBIL MODEL OF SECRETORY OTITIS MEDIA

Objective To investigate the effect of exogenous surfactant on Eustachian tube opening function. Methods This reasarch measures for the Eustachian tube opening pressure by injection of surface active substance into middle ear space, studying the effect of surfactant on Eustachian tube opening function. Results It has been showed that the injection of killed streptococcus pneumoneac bacteria by the transtympanic route, successfully developed a secretory otitis media model. Eustachian tube opening pressure in ears with SOM was significantly greater than those without effusion (P＜0.01). Irrigation the middle ear space with surfactant resulted in a dramatic decrease in eustachian tube passive opening pressure in both normal and patients (P＜0.01). Conclusion The results indicate that flushing with exogenous surfactant by the transtympanic rote reduce of eustachian tube surface tension, and it benefits the Eustachian tube opening.