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Tympanostomy Tube Post Op Instructions
What should be expected following a Tympanostomy
Tube Placement?
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If your child had hearing loss before surgery, normal sounds
may seem loud
due to the immediate improvement in hearing.
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Your child may experience nausea, vomiting, and/or fatigue
for a few hours after surgery, but this is unusual. Most children
are recovered by the time they leave the hospital or surgery
center. Your child should be able to progress to a normal diet
when you return home.
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Your child may be prescribed ear drops after surgery. These
are meant to keep the tubes clear and help reduce inflammation.
If, however, these drops cause a burning sensation, you may
stop use at that time.
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A post-operative appointment with a repeat hearing test is
usually recommended about three weeks after surgery. In addition,
to continue to provide continuity of care for your child, post-operative
appointments will usually be recommended every three or four
months, as long as the tubes remain in the ear (generally between
6 - 12 months).
What are some reasons you should contact your
doctor after surgery?
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Nausea, vomiting and/or fatigue may occur for a few hours after
surgery. However, if the nausea or vomiting lasts for more than
12 hours, you should contact your doctor.
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Drainage of middle ear fluid may be seen for two to three days
following surgery. This fluid can be clear, reddish, or bloody.
However, if this drainage continues beyond three days, your
doctor should be contacted.
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Some fussiness and/or a low grade fever (99 - 101F) may be
noted after surgery. But if this fever lasts into the next day
or reaches 102F, please contact your doctor.
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Tubes will prevent ear infections from developing most of the
time, but 25% of children (35% of children in day care) with
tubes will get an infection. Drainage from the ear will usually
indicate an infection and needs to be evaluated. You may call
our office for ear drainage if you prefer.
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Your ear, nose and throat specialist should be contacted if
two or more infections occur between scheduled office visits.
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