Ear Tube Surgery

Ear tubes, also known as ventilation tubes, are small cylinders made of metal or plastic which are surgically placed on the eardrum and allow airflow to the middle ear (the area behind the eardrum). The ear tube prevents the development of negative pressure, which causes the problem of fluid accumulation in the middle ear. It helps to drain the fluid accumulated behind the eardrum.

Why is ear tube surgery done?

Fluid accumulation in the middle ear cause problems with the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube connects the posterior part of the nose with the ear cavity. Children’s eustachian tubes are narrower, shorter, and more horizontal than adults. In some children, the air duct narrows more with the enlarged adenoid. Children can get frequent ear infections because the amount of air passing through the Eustachian tube reduces, and thus the ear fluid drainage is reduced. Bacteria or viruses can enter the middle ear, especially after a respiratory infection, and fill the ear with fluid or pus. When the fluid puts pressure on the eardrum, it can cause ear pain and affect hearing. Long-term hearing loss in young children can cause delays in speech development. Ear tube surgery prevents the accumulation of fluid in the ear and provides drainage of the accumulated fluid.

When is surgery necessary?

Ear tube surgery is not recommended for every child with an ear infection or fluid build-up in the ear. Children with occasional ear infections can treat with antibiotics and medications. However, children with the following conditions may need surgery for treatment.

• Presence of fluid in the middle ear for three or four months
• Fluid in the middle ear that causes hearing loss or speech delay
• Chronic middle ear infections that do not improve with antibiotics or that recur frequently
• Ear tubes are successful at significantly reducing ear infections. Most children get ear infections once or twice a year. Infected pus drains on its own through the opening created by the tubes.

How is the surgery done?

The surgery makes under general anesthesia. Your child can go home on the same day as the surgery after the effect of anesthesia wears off. The surgery usually takes 10-15 minutes. The surgeon makes a small hole in the eardrum. It takes the fluid in the middle ear by suction. Since the eardrum reaches through the ear canal, no visible incisions or stitches make. The process completes by placing a small metal or plastic tube into the hole in the eardrum. If the child has a sinus problem, the two operations are combined, and tube insertion is performed together with sinus surgery.

Post-operative recovery process

The total time spent in the hospital is usually several hours. Your child may vomit a little or have a mild earache on the day of surgery. Some children’s ears pop when they burp, yawn, or chew. As the eardrum heals, this condition disappears.

There is no harm in traveling by plane after the ear tube is inserted. Ear tubes will help equalize the air pressure inside and outside the ear.

In rare cases, fluids such as water may enter the ear through the tube. For this reason, it is recommended that children with tubes wear earplugs while bathing or swimming.

The ear tube usually falls off on its own in a period ranging from 6 months to 18 months. During this time, most of the children get rid of their problems. However, recurrence may occur in a small group. In these children, the tube can be re-inserted if necessary. If the tube remains in the eardrum for more than 2 to 3 years, surgical removal is recommended.

What are the risks of ear tube surgery?

It is generally a safe procedure. There are minimal risks associated with infection and anesthesia, which are only present in any surgery.

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