Introduction:
Ear tube surgery is also known as tympanostomy. This surgical procedure is done by an ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialist in which small ear tubes are inserted. These tubes are small and hollow cylinders. These are generally used in children or adults who usually have middle ear infections or among those who have resistance to treatment.
What Is Ear Tube Surgery?
Ear tube surgery or tympanostomy is a surgical procedure in which tiny ear tubes are placed by an ENT specialist by creating a hole in the eardrums. Other names of ear tubes are tympanostomy tubes, myringotomy tubes, ventilation tubes, and pressure equalization tubes. This surgery is done in case of chronic middle ear infections (otitis media). This occurs because of a cold and respiratory infection. Bacteria and viruses can enter the middle ear and cause the fluid and pus to be filled. When this fluid pushes the eardrum- it causes earache and hearing loss. If this hearing loss continues for a longer period among children may lead to a delay in speech development.
When Is Ear Tube Surgery Indicated?
This procedure is indicated when
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A child has ear infections often, and they do not clear up easily.
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When ear infection leads to hearing loss or delay in speech development.
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Among adults, it is indicated in the case of barotrauma, which is a painful condition because of air pressure changes.
This ear tube surgery helps in clearing the fluid from the middle ear and prevents infection that may occur in the future, and help the child to hear properly once again. This procedure helps not only in draining the fluid but lets air in to prevent fluid buildup.
The following conditions are treated with ear tube surgery:
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Middle Ear Infection: This condition is due to infection by bacteria and viruses. Ear tubes are used to prevent new infections. This procedure is chosen because three or more times infections in six months of duration may be observed or four or more times in a year.
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Otitis Media With Effusion: In this condition building up of fluid takes place without infection. This is due to continuous fluid after infection, due to eustachian tube problems, or due to any other condition that stops drainage of fluids. Fluids in the middle ear may cause hearing loss or delayed hearing development.
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Chronic Middle Ear Infection: An infection that does not get relieved with the use of antibiotics may require ear tube insertion to drain the fluid, and direct antibiotic ear drops can be used.
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Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media: In this condition, a continuous discharge of fluid may be present due to a tear in the eardrum because of ongoing inflammation. This can be corrected with ear tube surgery.
How Is the Ear Tube Surgery Performed?
Ear tube surgery is done under general anesthesia. Among adults, it can be done under local anesthesia, depending on the situation.
Before The Surgery:
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Depending on the medical history, some medications may be asked to stop.
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The individual may be asked to fast for hours before the general anesthesia is given for the procedure.
During The Procedure:
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The incision is made on the eardrum by the surgeon.
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The fluid present is drained out.
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Ear tubes are inserted into the incision, which is in the eardrum. These tubes allow the fluid to drain out of the ear.
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Adenoidectomy (removal of adenoids) is performed among people who have already undergone this procedure. This procedure prevents the need for ear tube surgery in the future.
After The Surgery:
After surgery, within two days, one can get better. During this period, mild pain may be present, but this can be relieved by using pain relievers. Most people who underwent surgery may return to the normal routine after 24 hours of the ear tube surgery.
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Side effects like grogginess (weak) and nausea may be seen after surgery.
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Antibiotic ear drops may be given to treat the infection.
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Earplugs may be given to wear during the activities like swimming and showering.
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Followup is done every few months to check the ear tubes and their functioning.
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A hearing test may be done by the surgeon.
Eardrum closes around the tubes and keeps the ear tubes in place. Generally, ear tubes fall on their own in 9 to 18 months. The surgeon may have to remove the tubes if they remain in place for two years after their placement.
What Are the Advantages of Ear Tube Surgery?
Advantages of the ear tube surgery include.
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The need for oral antibiotics is reduced during ear infections.
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There will be less fever and pain during ear infections.
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Improved hearing and restoration of hearing can be achieved.
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Speech development or improvement can be achieved.
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Sleep problems that are related to ear infections will be reduced.
What Are the Complications of Ear Tube Surgery?
Ear tube surgery is considered to be a safe procedure with very minimal complications.
Complications of ear tube surgery include
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The hole does not get closed even after the tube comes out. This may require another surgery.
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Scarring of the eardrum may occur due to repeated ear infections or the surgery itself.
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Ear infections may get repeated, even after treating surgically.
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Ear tubes may fall off early or may remain in place for long periods of time.
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Continuous drainage from the ear may be present and called otorrhea.
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Eardrums may get shrunken or become hard.
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Due to earwax buildup, clogging of ear tubes may happen.
Conclusion:
Ear tube surgery is a simple surgical procedure. Ear tubes built of metal or plastic are used to insert for drainage of fluid and help an individual to come out of repeated inflammation of the middle ear. The ear is an important organ of our body. Slight discomfort of this organ may affect the quality of life of an individual. Hence it is important to know about ear tube surgery. Knowing about it helps in identifying the problem at the earliest. This, in turn, helps one to achieve effective treatment as one can arrive at a diagnosis at the earliest.
