Care after Myringtomy-tubes

The tubes normally stay in place from nine to sixteen months. Once in place the tube cannot be felt or dislodged. There may, however, be mild discomfort or irritation reported for the first few days following surgery and occasionally rarely thereafter. The tube normally works it way out without having to be removed surgically.

As long as the tubes are in place care must be taken to keep water out of the ear canal. Should water get in the ear canal there is a good possibility the middle ear will become infected. There are many ways of avoiding this problem. Cotton balls covered with Vaseline may be inserted into the ear canals. Also, special ear plugs available at Dr. Simpson’s office may be custom fitted to provide even more comfort and protection. With a good set of ear plugs, a child may go swimming and enjoy some water activity; however, it is best to avoid submerging the child’s head completely under water as this will increase the chance for infection. The same hold for bathing and washing hair.

There may be a small amount of bleeding and/or drainage the first few days after surgery. This is not unusual. Also, there can be increased drainage of a thin, clear type when the child has a cold or respiratory infection. If, however, there is any change in hearing or any drainage of the thick, yellow or greenish type with or without elevated temperature, this probably requires treatment and you should contact my office.

If ear drops are prescribed postoperatively these are used for a period of two to five days. There is occasionally some mild discomfort initially when using these drops, which usually subsides in a day or two. If, however, there seems to be an extreme amount of pain and discomfort associated with the use of these drops; it is best to discontinue them and call my office.

Tylenol in the appropriate dosage should be used for any mild discomfort. Significant temperature elevations should be reported to my office. AVOID ASPIRIN.

Activity may be allowed as tolerated after surgery, however, care should be taken to avoid undue fatigue as it might predispose to a cold. This is especially important the day of and the day after surgery. Extreme nose blowing is to be avoided.

If adenoidectomy is done, expect some mild pain and low fever for the first 48 to 72 hours. This should be treated with rest, fluids, and Tylenol in the appropriate dosage. Any bleeding that occurs should be very minimal and significant bleeding should be reported to my office. Also expected is a period of nasal drainage and post nasal discharge causing cough for two to three weeks as the healing tissue is dissolving and running out of the front of the nose and down the back of the throat. This should be treated with humidification especially at night as the child sleeps and a cough medication as necessary.

Return to my office for a postoperative check in two weeks. Please telephone the office for an appointment if an appointment was not made before