About ear tubes

A myringotomy is an incision made in the eardrum to remove fluid or infection from the middle ear space behind the eardrum. In children the procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. In adults, it's usually performed under local anaesthetic, but can be done under a general anesthetic if requested by the patient. Usually, a small silicone or plastic ventilating tube (tympanostomy tube) is inserted through this opening to allow air to circulate within the middle ear and/or allow fluid to drain from the middle ear. This tube does not impair the hearing, nor can it be felt by the patient. The tube usually remains in place for 8 to 12 months, and then naturally falls out on its own.

Complications of Surgery in General

As with all types of surgery, the possibility of other complications exists due to anesthesia, drug reactions or other factors which may involve other parts of the body, including a possibility of brain damage or even death. The likelihood of these complications is very low. The benefits of having tubes are significantly greater than the possibility of a complication.

Specific Complications of Pressure Equalization Tubes

Risks of tubes include possibility of outside water entering the middle ear space, risk of drainage (pus and blood) from the ear, sensation of weight or pressure in the ear, tube coming out too soon, tube staying in too long and needing removal, risk of a hole being left behind in the ear drum, need for further surgeries to repair hole in eardrum, hearing loss (rare).