Indications
A myringotomy is performed and pressure equalization tubes are placed in the ears to resolve chronic or recurrent ear infections, chronic middle ear fluid or eustachian tube dysfunction.
Expectations
Children may be grumpy and fussy for several hours following the general anesthesia. Don't be alarmed by a bloody drainage from the ears. Clicking and popping sounds are also common for a few weeks after surgery.
Diet
Patients may eat a regular diet as tolerated. If a tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy are also performed, follow the dietary restrictions listed on the instruction sheet for those procedures.
Medications
Myringotomy and tube placement usually does not result in significant discomfort. You may use an age and weight appropriate dose of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil) if needed.
Water precautions
While the tubes are in place, the child should avoid water to the ears. No swimming is permitted, unless custom ear plugs are being use for surface swimming only. Swimming underwater and diving require the addition of a swim cap or Ear Bandit.
Ear drainage
A small amount of drainage from the ear canal often accompanies insertion of tympanostomy tubes. This may even contain some blood. The prescribed eardrops will treat this condition. Drainage is often an indication that the tubes are "doing their job". Ear drainage after the first week is ABNORMAL but not an emergency. If there is too much drainage, or if drainage persists after seven days, please call the office so Dr. Bankaci can treat this symptom.
Activity
Resume usual activity the day following surgery. .
Wound care
Keep water out of the ears following surgery. For children older than 5 years, use ear plugs in the bath tube and while swimming. For active children, neoprene head bands are helpful to keep ear plugs in place while swimming. Head bands are available at most sporting goods stores, or you can contact the office. Call Dr. Bankaci if pus-like drainage or fever greater than 101° occurs.
Follow-up
Please schedule your post-operative evaluation in one month. Check-ups will then be conducted every six months.
HOW LONG DO THE TUBES STAY IN PLACE?
The tubes will remain in place for 6 to 18 months. They usually fall out into the ear canal. The eardrum heals completely in almost every case. When the tubes are extruded, they then lie in the ear canal and cause no problems, or fall out by themselves (like a piece of wax). Rarely, do the tubes stay in place too long. In this case, tubes can be surgically removed. This is a similar procedure to insertion of tympanostomy tubes.
If you have any further questions please contact Dr. Bankaci's office at (724) 547-4575 or (724) 832-9688.
