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Pressure-Equalizing Ear Tubes
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Doctors sometimes insert a pressure-equalizing (PE) tube
into an incision or opening in the eardrum to prevent middle
ear infections. These infections, known medically as otitis
media, are particularly common in young children. The operation
is known as a myringotomy (mir-ing-GOT-oh-mee). The tubes (also
called ventilation tubes, tympanoplasty tubes, or transtympanic
tubes) resemble very small spools of thread. The PE
tubes remain in the eardrums for between 6 and l8 months.
During this time, they gradually work their way out of the
eardrums and into the ear canals. A small amount of blood may
ooze from the ears when the tubes finally come out. Because the
tubes are very tiny, it's unlikely that you will see them when
they fall out.
If the tubes remain in the eardrums longer than five
years, they should be removed. Otherwise, scar tissue might
form around them.
Risks
Their is a small chance that the
tubes could cause scarring or injury to the eardrum, leading to
hearing problems. In addition, pus may drain from the
ear.
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
Before You Go
-
Your doctor will tell you when you or your youngster
should stop eating or drinking. Follow these directions
exactly.
-
Be sure to remove glasses, contact lenses, and false
teeth before the surgery. Jewelry should also be taken
off.
What to Expect While You're
There
You may encounter the following
procedures and equipment during your stay:
-
Emotional: If your child is having the operation,
you may stay to give comfort and support. Children feel
safer in the hospital with a parent
nearby.
-
Taking Vital Signs: These include temperature, blood
pressure, pulse (counting the heartbeats), and respirations
(counting the breaths). A stethoscope is used to listen to
the heart and lungs. Blood pressure is taken by wrapping a
cuff around the arm. There is no pain when taking vital
signs.
-
IV: A tube placed in a vein for giving medicine or
liquids. It will be capped or have tubing connected to
it.
-
During the Surgery...
-
Children are usually put to sleep during this
operation. Adults may receive numbing medication
instead.
-
The doctor will make a tiny hole in the eardrum to
drain out fluid that has accumulated inside the
ear.
-
The PE tube will then be put into the hole in the
eardrum so that the fluid can continue to
drain.
-
To fight possible infection, the doctor will put
antibiotic medicine in the ear.
-
After the surgery, patients are allowed to wake up
in the recovery room before being returned to their room
or sent home.
After You Leave
-
Medications given during the operation will cause
drowsiness. Do not plan on driving immediately
afterward.
-
After PE tubes are put in, there may be a mild
earache for 2 to 3 hours, and clear fluid may drain from
the ears for up to 24 hours.
-
Your doctor may suggest medicine to ease the
pain.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
Pain persists despite the
operation.
-
Blood or pus drains from either
ear.
-
A fever develops.
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