Ear tube insertion

Ear tube insertion

Definition:

Surgical procedure to drain fluid through an incision and tubes placed in the eardrum.

Alternative Names:

Myringotomy; Tympanostomy; Ear tubes surgery

Description:

While the patient is deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia), a small incision is made in the eardrum and the accumulated fluid is suctioned out. A small tube may be inserted through the eardrum incision to allow fluid to continuously flow out and air to enter and dry out the middle ear. Because the incision heals without sutures, the hole closes and the ear tubes fall out naturally after a few months.

Indications:

Ear drum tube insertion may be recommended for:

Long-term (chronic) or recurrent (more than 3 in one year) ear infections
Hearing loss in children
Patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Symptoms may include:

Persistent ear pain
Ear drainage
Hearing loss (over a 3-month period)
Recurrent trauma (barotrauma) from flying or deep sea diving

Risks:

Risks for any anesthesia are:

Reactions to medications
Problems breathing

Risks for any surgery are:

Bleeding
Infection

Additional risks include:

Scarring of the eardrum (which can cause hearing loss)

Expectations after surgery:

The operation relieves pain and hearing is restored. The frequency and severity of middle ear infections is significantly reduced. If ear infections recur and the tubes are nonfunctional, the operation can be repeated and another set of ear tubes can be inserted.

Convalescence:

Patients usually leave the hospital the same day. Swimming is prohibited unless special earplugs are worn. Use of a cap while under a shower is recommended for several days or weeks.

Review Date: 8/21/2001
Reviewed By: Ashutosh Kacker, M.D., Department of Otolaryngology, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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