INSTRUCTIONS for 

MYRINGOTOMIES and TUBES  

Hugh N. Hazenfield, M.D., F.A.C.S.

• Background:

   

  • The procedure called "Myringotomies and Tubes" is a brief operation in which, using a microscope and working through the ear canal, a small incision is made through the eardrum, fluid is usually suctioned from the middle ear, and a small tube is placed in the incision. 

  • The tube allows for air to enter the middle ear to equalize the pressure without relying upon the patient's own Eustachian tubes.  It is very effective, and usually normal hearing can be expected immediately after the operation -- unless there is another underlying cause of hearing loss.  In fact, the biggest complaint is that the car radio is too loud on the way home from the hospital!

  • There is usually little or no pain after the surgery, although children frequently "play" with their ears for about a week afterward.

   

• Instructions and What to Expect on the Day of Surgery:

   

  • Unless instructed otherwise, no food or liquids may be consumed after midnight on the day of surgery.  This is extremely important, because if there is anything in the stomach, the patient may vomit during surgery with the stomach contents entering the windpipe and lungs.  This could cause pneumonia or even death.

  • The patient will be checked by the nurses and by Dr. Hazenfield before surgery.  Then the patient will go to the operating room.  Usually the patient will be in the operating room for 30 - 45 minutes and then go to the recovery room.

  • When the patient is fully awake, he or she will be discharged.  On the day of surgery, the patient should remain relatively quiet.  The patient may have a regular diet.  If there is pain or discomfort, plain Tylenol may be given.

  • Dr. Hazenfield will give you a bottle of antibiotic eye drops.  Instill three drops in the operated ear(s) three times a day for three days after the surgery.

     

• What to Expect after the Day of Surgery:

   

  • Beginning on the day after surgery, normal activities may be resumed, including physical activities.  However, you should not get the ear(s) wet even with showers or baths until seven (7) days after surgery.

  • Some patients will have pus coming from the ear while the tubes are in place.  This means an infection is occurring, and either your family doctor, pediatrician, or Dr. Hazenfield should be notified immediately.  Bleeding occurring after three (3) days after surgery should be reported to Dr. Hazenfield.

  • Dr. Hazenfield will see the patient about six weeks after surgery.  Thereafter, a schedule will be established for regularly scheduled appointments until the tubes are out and the eardrums are healed.  Other appointments may be required for infections or bleeding.

• If you have any questions at all, call Doctor Hazenfield at 622-2626 or through his answering service at 988-2188.

05.09.2002 by H. N. Hazenfield, M.D., F.A.C.S.  

This may not be reproduced without the written permission of H. N. Hazenfield.