Otological Study of Facial Cleft Patients Over 10 Years of Age (Excluding Isolated Cleft Lip) (EFEOF)

Studies published on the placement of transtympanic ventilatory tubes in children with cleft palate show heterogeneous results, highlighting the need for a new study with strong statistical power and long-term follow-up to clarify the real benefits of this intervention.

Mirashrafi (2022) and Maina (2022), for example, emphasize the current uncertainties regarding the management of otitis media with effusion in children with cleft palate. Mirashrafi conducted a study on 40 children and found no significant difference between those with a complete cleft palate and those with an incomplete cleft palate in terms of middle ear status after the placement of transtympanic ventilatory tubes. Maina, in an ongoing review, identified a lack of consensus on the optimal management of chronic otitis media with effusion, with outcomes being varied and often of low methodological quality.

The absence of convincing evidence justifies the need for further research to establish clear guidelines. The objective is to study the otological status of patients based on the presence or absence of ENT surgical management involving the placement of transtympanic ventilatory tubes.