WHY IS THE MYRINGOTOMY TUBES PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
- Recurrent middle ear infections
- Chronic middle ear fluid or vacuum
- Eustachian tube dysfunction with complications, such as:
- Conductive hearing loss
- Retraction of eardrum
- Persistent popping
HOW IS THE MYRINGOTOMY TUBES PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
- In the operating room under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation
- Done as an outpatient in our office under local anesthesia if the patient is an adult
- Pre-op labs are not required
- Chest x-ray and EKG are not required
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
- Mild discomfort
- Improvement in hearing
- Tubes extruding by themselves
- Short-lasting tubes extrude in 6 to 18 months
- Long-lasting tubes extrude in 3 to 5 years
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER THE SURGERY?
- Use eardrops for 3 days to prevent plugging of tubes
- Keep all water out of ear canals
- Take Tylenol for pain
- Call the doctor if the ears drain
- Return for follow-up in 10 days
