The Laryngoscope
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Middle ear pressure variation: effect of nitrous oxide.
Previous studies examining middle ear pressure changes due to inhalant anesthesia, including nitrous oxide, have cited equivocal results. An investigation was performed to closely monitor changes in middle ear pressure during middle ear surgery. Baseline tympanometry was performed before anesthesia, and middle ear pressure was then documented in 1-min time intervals. ⋯ There were no effects for time of surgery, type of fluid, or baseline. Pressure fluctuation was attributed to eustachian tube function. Case studies are presented to demonstrate subject variability, and suggestions for validation study procedures are presented.