1. There is usually little pain after surgery.  If your child seems uncomfortable, you may use Tylenol.  Follow the directions on the bottle.

2. After surgery, you may receive a bottle of ear drops. Some are usually put in at the time of surgery and it is normal to see them drain out over the next day or so.  Even if some blood comes out, that's normal.

3. If you see drainage from the ears at any time after the first few days of surgery, start using the drops (3-4 drops to the draining ear, 3-4 times a day).  If the drainage hasn't stopped after 3 days, call the office.

4. After surgery, your child may have a regular diet when fully awake.

5. Normal activities can usually begin the same day of surgery, after your child is fully awake.  He or she can return to school or go on vacation the next day.

6. Avoid getting water in the ears--wear ear plugs.  In a pinch you can use vaseline soaked cotton balls for temporary plugs while bathing.  If  bath, lake, or kiddy pool water gets in the ears an ear infection usually occurs.  The prompt use of ear drops may prevent this.  Chlorinated pool water is better tolerated but the child should still wear ear plugs and avoid getting this water into his/her ears.

7. For your post-op check-up, please call the office to schedule an appointment, if not given one in the hospital, for a week or two after the surgery.  At that time, the placement and function of the tube will be checked and a hearing test may be done.

8. Follow up appointments should be made every 3 to 6 months to recheck the tubes and your child's ears.  These follow up appointments are VERY IMPORTANT and will help to follow your child's progress.

9. The tubes usually stay in the ears between 3 and 18 months but this range may vary widely between patients.  The tubes usually fall out by themselves and can be removed in the doctor's office.  If the tubes are in for more than 3 years, they should be removed by your doctor.  Sometimes returning to the operating room is necessary to do this.

10. The first sign that the tube is coming out is that it becomes plugged.  The eardrum first grows behind the tube, plugging it, then pushes the tube out.  Sometimes bleeding will occur when this happens.  This bleeding is never dangerous. Using the ear drops will usually stop the bleeding and allow the tubes to come out naturally.

11. If you child develops an ear infection call your surgeon.  He/she will usually prescribe EAR DROPS and an ORAL ANTIBIOTIC.

Page last updated 05/04/2008    Page Views Since 1/1/2008