5. Promising treatments for ear infections. We're
pleased that we've been asked to participate in a clinical trial. Just as
ophthalmologists are buzzing about the potential of one-drop and
dropless treatments for cataracts, we're intrigued by a similar
prospect having to do with ear infections. The product in question is a
gel that delivers a sustained-release form of the antibiotic
ciprofloxacin in pediatric patients undergoing tympanostomy tube
placement surgery. Once the ear is completely drained, instead of put-
ting the patient on antibiotic drops for a week, the new product we're
helping to test is embedded inside the ear, where it slowly releases
the medication for a week or so, completely eliminating the need for
post-op antibiotic drops.
OSM
N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 6 • O U T PA T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T • 6 1
Dr. Allphin (allan.allphin@mercy.net) is the chief of staff at Mercy Hospital in
Springfield, Mo.
