Why is this procedure done?
An ear infection can cause fluid buildup inside the ear. This fluid raises the pressure inside the ear. It may also cause hearing problems. A myringotomy is a procedure used to drain trapped fluid out of the ear. This is done by making a small hole in the eardrum. This procedure is done to: ‚
- Relieve ear pain
- Restore hearing
- Drain trapped fluids inside the ear
This fluid taken from the ear will be sent to a lab for testing. Your doctor may leave a tiny tube inside your eardrum to keep the hole open. This is called a grommet or tympanoplasty tube. It makes a path for fluid to get out and air to get in the ear. The tube helps prevent any buildup of fluid in the ear. ‚
What will the results be?
The fluid will be able to drain and your hearing will return to normal. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam.
- Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor may may order:
- Lab tests
- Ear exam
- Hearing test
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, you will lie on a table. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy and pain free during the procedure. Your doctor may put an I.V. line in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. Monitors will keep track of your blood pressure and heart rate.
- Your doctor will use a special tool to see the inside of your ears better.
- Using very small tools, your doctor will make a cut in your eardrum. Then, the doctor suctions out any fluids.
- The doctor may leave a tube or grommet inside your ear. This will help to drain what is left of the fluids. This tube will also make a way for air to dry up the middle of the ear. No stitches are needed to keep this tube in place. The eardrum will eventually heal around it.
- Your doctor may repeat the procedure on your other ear.
- The procedure takes 15 to 20 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. Most often, you will go home the same day of the surgery.
- You may have a gauze or cotton ball in your ear canal to help catch the fluid.
- You may have discomfort after the procedure. This may become more painful when the anesthesia wears off. Your doctor may give you drugs for this.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Rest for the first few days after the procedure. Avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting and hard exercise.
- Avoid going to crowded places where people with cough and colds may be.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
What problems could happen?
- Thickening of the structures inside the ear
- Hearing loss
- The tube might fall out
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Ringing in the ear
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Otolaryngology ¢ ˆ ’ Head and Neck Surgery ‚
http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/Ear-Tubes.cfm ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/ears/ear_infections.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/otitis-media/pages/treatment.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚