Tympanostomy in children

The course of the procedure

1. Duration of the procedure: 15-30 minutes
2. Anesthesia – the procedure is performed under general or local anesthesia (in children, most often general anesthesia).
3. Eardrum incision – The surgeon makes a small incision in the eardrum to allow fluids to be removed from the middle ear.
4. Drain insertion – a small drain (tube) is inserted into the incision to maintain an opening in the eardrum, allowing fluid to drain and the ear to be ventilated.

Convalescence

• No hospitalization – after the procedure, the patient usually returns home the same day.
• Ear care – avoid getting water in your ears for several weeks, especially in a swimming pool.
• Post-operative check-up – regular visits to the ENT specialist to check that the drain is not blocked and that the ear is healing.
• Return to activity – usually possible after a few days, but intense physical exertion should be avoided for a few weeks.

Possible complications

• Ear infection (rare)
• Damage to the eardrum (if drainage problems occur)
• Drain blocked by fluid or secretions
• Drain displacement

Benefits of ear drainage

• Hearing improvement – ​​drainage removes fluid from the middle ear, restoring normal hearing.
• Reduced risk of infection – by improving middle ear ventilation, drains prevent recurrent infections.
• Safe and quick procedure – the procedure is minimally invasive and the recovery time is short.

Ear drainage is an effective treatment for chronic ear problems, such as otitis media with effusion or recurrent infections.
If these problems persist despite pharmacological treatment, it is worth considering consulting an ENT specialist.