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Myringotomy & Tube Placement

EAR TUBES – IMPORTANT INFORMATION OFR OUR PATIENTS

Benefits of the surgery

Reduction of frequency, severity and duration of middle ear infections
Reduction of the chances of developing long term chronic ear disease, such as mastoiditis, choleasteatoma, and permanent hearing loss
Elimination of middle ear fluid, resulting in improved hearing

Most common risks of surgery

Drainage from the ears. Once the tubes are in place, the ear will drain thru the tube if a middle ear infection occurs, resulting in puss coming out of the ear canal. The best way to reduce the risk of this happening is to use ear plugs whenever bathing or swimming. The drainage is usually treatable with drops; however, on rare occasion the tubes may need to be removed in order to stop drainage.
Retention of the tubes. The tubes usually come out of the ear by themselves. The tubes last anywhere from 6 to 24 months. If the tubes do not fall out as expected, it will be necessary to put the patient asleep and remove the tubes. This happens about 5-10% of the time, and is a relatively easy procedure.
The ear drum fails to heal after the tube comes out. This is a rare occurrence, about 1% chance. If this occurred, it would require a procedure to patch the ear drum. This is usually done when the patient has grown older, and is less susceptible to ear infections.
Tympanosclerosis. Sometimes this is mistake for scarring of the ear drum. It is a white discoloration of the ear drum that can happen when the tube falls out. This process can occur in people who have never had tubes as well, it’s cause is unknown. It would be very, very rare that tympanosclerosis of the ear drum caused any problems at all
Anesthesia risks-extremely rare, but we recommend you address any questions with the anesthesia team prior to surgery. You will meet them on the day of surgery prior to undergoing surgery.

Instructions after surgery

The most important thing to do is keep the ear dry when bathing or swimming. Our office can provide ear plugs with are recommended.
Pain is usually minimal, and plain Tylenol is recommended.
Tugging at the ears is common for the fist week or two, until the patient gets used to the tubes, and used to the improvement (things may be louder once the tubes are in place)

Please clarify any questions or concerns about this procedure with your doctor prior to proceeding with surgery.