The Basics
Tympanostomy tube insertion is a surgery that inserts drainage tubes into the eardrum. Sometimes fluid accumulates inside the ear and causes the pressure in the middle ear to be higher than the pressure in the outer ear. This can cause middle ear infections, which are common in children and can potentially affect your child's hearing (muffling of the sound) and speech development.
Tympanostomy tube insertion helps air to flow behind the eardrum and relieve pressure in the middle ear. The procedure is usually performed in a hospital by an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat specialist). Your child's doctor will determine if your child should have this procedure done. It is often performed in children (and also adults) who:
- have repeated ear infections that have not responded to antibiotics
- have fluid buildup in the ears that has lasted for 3 to 6 months
- develop a complication (e.g.., brain infection) due to a serious ear infection
An ear exam.
Risks and precautions
Tympanostomy tube insertion is usually a straightforward and safe procedure. In general, any surgery and the use of anesthesia come with some risks that are associated with factors like your child's overall health condition and what the surgery involves. Side effects are very rare but can include trouble breathing, reactions to the anesthetic, bleeding, infection, scarring, and death. Other potential risks associated with this procedure are:
- damage to the eardrum
- discharge (pus) from the ear
- some children continue to have ear infections after the surgery
Talk to your doctor if you are worried about any of the symptoms or side effects your child might experience after this procedure. It is important that you understand all the risks of complications and side effects of the procedure, and what you or your doctor can do to avoid them. Make sure that your doctor is aware of all your concerns.
Before the test
Your child may not be able to eat or drink before the procedure; follow the timing that your child's doctor recommended, otherwise you run the risk of the surgery being cancelled or postponed. In general, people are advised to not eat for 8 hours before the procedure; and most hospitals ask that your child should not drink or eat anything after midnight the night before the procedure.
If your child is taking any prescription or over-the-counter (non-prescription) medications, supplements, or herbal products, make sure you inform your doctor or pharmacist. Ask them whether it is necessary for your child to stop taking any of these medications and products before the procedure. It is also important to tell them if your child has allergies to certain medications, bandages, latex, or has certain medical conditions.