Ear Tube Surgery - What to Expect

Ear infections are one of the most common ailments for children under the age of five. Because their immune systems are still developing, children of this age are more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections, many of which can cause ear infections. While this condition is usually temporary and can be treated with antibiotics and other medications, some children experience chronic ear infections, which cause fluid build-up in their ears. In this scenario, doctors may recommend ear tube surgery as an immediate treatment of an ear infection.

While the jury is still out on whether or not ear tube surgery is necessary, it has been shown help many children and babies recover from chronic ear infections and pain. If your doctor feels that ear tubes may be beneficial to your child, they will schedule a time for the operation and prepare you for what to expect from the procedure. Some of the things your doctor may cover with you include:

Preoperative care - Your child should not eat or drink anything 6 to 12 hours before the procedure, including water and chewing gum. It is important to explain the operation to your child if they are old enough to understand, and to be calm and reassuring. If your child wakes up ill the day of their ear tube surgery, proceed to the surgical facility as planned. Your doctor and surgeon will decide if your child is healthy enough to undergo ear tube surgery.
Day of surgery - Be punctual to the surgery facility and bring any medical records or documents your doctor requested. Dress your child in comfortable, loose fitting clothing like pajamas, and allow them to also bring a comfort item such as a blanket or favorite stuffed animal. Your child's ear tube surgery will be supervised by a surgeon, anesthesiologist, nurse, and surgical technician who are capable of responding to any type of complication or emergency. Once anesthesia has taken effect, a small incision is made in the ear drum, and any fluid will be drained from the ear. A small tube will be inserted in the ear drum to allow air to enter and for fluid to drain. The entire procedure takes about 10-15 minutes.
Post-surgery care - In most cases, your child will be able to return home the same day as their ear tube surgery once they have fully recovered from the anesthetic. Normal diet and routine may be resumed after surgery, but reintroduction of foods should be a gradual process as to not upset your child's stomach. Vomiting and nausea are common after ear tube surgery, and your doctor may prescribe medication to help settle restless tummies. Ear drops may also be prescribed. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled 10 to 14 days after surgery to assess the placement and function of the tube. Some drainage and bloody discharge is also common after a child undergoes ear tube surgery.

Your doctor may also recommend that your child not swim after ear tube surgery, and precaution may need to be taken during bathing. Ear tubes stay in place for 6 to 18 months and will generally fall out on their own. In rare cases, your child may need to undergo a removal procedure should the tubes fail to fall out, and some ear tube complications are common.