What to Expect During the Procedure

When the patient is a child, myringotomy and tympanostomy tube placement are done under general anesthesia. Adults, however, may have the procedure with just local anesthesia. The procedure itself takes less than five minutes. To begin, your SFENTA™ surgeon will create a small incision in the eardrum. If any fluid is present in the middle ear, it will be suctioned out. From there, the tympanostomy tube will be placed in the newly created hole. Eventually, the tubes will spontaneously fall out of the eardrum and the hole will close.

The Recovery: What to Expect After Surgery

Myringotomy is associated with a very quick recovery period. Most patients experience minimal pain and discomfort, and some may require antibiotic ear drops after surgery.

Once tympanostomy tubes are placed, you will no longer be able to scuba dive or swim deeply underwater. However, swimming on the surface of the water is permitted. Many patients wear earplugs after their procedure to ensure that water does not enter the middle ear via the tubes.

What are the Risks?

Myringotomy with tympanostomy tubes is a very safe procedure that can substantially improve hearing and middle ear function. However, there are some rare risks. They include:

  • A residual perforated eardrum after the PE tube falls out
  • Scarring on the eardrum
  • Recurrent infections
  • Hearing loss
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Contact SFENTA Today

At SFENTA, our ear, nose, and throat doctors have years of experience performing myringotomy with tympanostomy tubes for our patients. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and begin planning your treatment.

With 37 convenient locations across the South Florida area, we’re never far away.

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