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Ventilation Tubes

Procedure:

A ventilation (PE) tube is placed through a small incision in the eardrum to allow better aeration of the middle ear space. This is usually done to treat recurrent ear infections and/or fluid in the middle ear.

What to Expect:

• There is usually an initial fussy period of approximately 30 minutes following placement of tubes. Much of this is due to the initial confusion and disorientation of waking up after anesthesia. This should quickly pass and is commonly followed by a sleepy period. Your
  child should return to a normal routine later in the day but may continue to have periods of irritability.
• Drainage from the ears may occur for a few days after surgery especially with the use of antibiotic ear drops. It may appear clear, pink, or blood-tinged. At some point during the time your child has tubes, you may see additional drainage of fluid from the ears. This is most common during a viral illness. Antibiotic ear drops may be used alone to help clear this drainage.
• You may choose to place a dry cotton ball in the outer ear to absorb the drainage.
• Ear plugs during bath and shampoo time are not necessary and ear plugs do not need to be used in a pool while swimming unless the pressure causes discomfort. Plugs are, however, recommended for immersion in lake or ocean water.

Medication:

• After surgery, you may or may not need to use antibiotic drops in your child’s ear. If drops are used, please follow the recommendation on your prescription.
• If needed, you may administer acetaminophen (Tylenol) products up to every 4 hours following package directions.

When to Call the Doctor:

• If your child develops a fever over 101°.
• If there is a steady trickle of blood or if drainage continues beyond one week despite the use of antibiotic ear drops.
• If your child complains of burning or is extremely irritable after receiving drops.
• If you need a refill prescription of antibiotic ear drops called to your pharmacy.

For Questions of Emergency Care:
Call the office at 601-984-5160. You may need to speak with the doctor on-call.

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