Intra-Procedure Adverse Events and Cardiovascular Changes During Ear Syringing
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30442/ahr.1102-01-277Abstract
Background: Ear syringing is a common and relatively safe procedure in ENT practice. Vertigo, vomiting, and discomfort have been reported, but no study has deliberately documented the changes in cardiovascular parameters.
Objective: To assess the frequency of adverse events and changes in cardiovascular parameters during ear syringing.
Methods: This was an observational study of consecutive participants aged ≥ 18 years who underwent ear syringing at the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Clinic of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, between April and October 2023. Patients with a history of ear discharge or surgeries and those on cardiac pacemakers were excluded. Questionnaires were administered, and pre-and post-procedure vital signs were recorded.
Results: Fifty-seven participants with a male-to-female ratio of 1.19:1 completed this study. Unilateral ear syringing was done in 37 (64.9%) patients. The changes between pre-procedure baseline body temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and the post-procedure values of the same parameters were all significantly different but remained within clinically normal limits. The baseline pulse rate and SpO2 were not influenced by the presence of pre-existing hypertension and the laterality of syringing. There was no significantly elevated baseline respiratory rate in patients who had bilateral ear syringing compared to those with unilateral procedure. However, the changes between pre-procedure body temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure and post-procedure values were not influenced by the laterality of the procedure or pre-existing hypertension.
Conclusion: Ear syringing may be associated with minimal changes in cardiovascular parameters, which are not clinically significant.
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