**8. Debate concerning selection of treatment strategy**

A review of previous studies shows that there is currently no consensus as to the optimal method of treating OME, and many researchers are at odds regarding their views on the subject [46]. Most previous studies are based on retrospective analysis and vary widely in their design; therefore, it is difficult to make an informative comparison. Even in prospec‐ tive studies on OME in CLP children [51, 58, 59], there remains a lack of high‐quality, ade‐ quately powered randomized controlled trials. One reason may be that most parents require recommendations pertaining to treatment, rather than allowing their child to be randomly included in an experimental or control group, particularly children who have undergone or will undergo a series of major invasive surgeries. Thus, it is currently impossible to conduct a meta‐analysis of previous research, which could be used to summarize treatment methods and/or provide guidance with regard to treatment choices [2, 45].
