Eastern Oklahoma Ear, Nose & Throat, Inc.
918-492-3636
Myringotomy with Tube Placement and Adenoidectomy
Post Op Instructions
Ear tubes are inserted to allow air to enter behind the eardrum, not to drain the fluid (which was removed when the tubes were inserted). Drainage is common for several days after surgery. If there is still drainage after 2- 3 days, notify your doctor. During the first six weeks, the middle ear is still in the process of healing. Notify your doctor if infection and drainage develop.
Slight ear pain can be expected for a day or two after surgery. Taking Motrin can relieve this. If severe pain occurs, call your doctor.
Antibiotic eye or ear drops may be prescribed for use in the ears. Keep the drops at room temperature for greater comfort on administration.
Your doctor may want your child to use earplugs to keep water from getting into the middle ear. If so, earplugs are to be used while swimming, bathing or playing in the water.
In children, the tubes are allowed to remain in place until the healing of the eardrum beneath them pushes them out. This may be several months, or more than a year. In adults with acute ear blockage, the tubes may be removed several weeks after the problem has cleared.
Immediately after surgery, we suggest clear liquids such as water, Jell-O, apple juice or pedialyte. If these do not cause vomiting, progress to regular foods. To promote healing and to prevent dehydration, DRINK, DRINK, DRINK.
Anesthetics may cause nausea and vomiting, especially when combined with the motion of the car ride home. If vomiting continues more than 3 – 4 times, call your doctor. Small children can become dehydrated very quickly.
Medication should be taken as ordered if needed for pain. Antibiotics and pain medications are less apt to cause nausea if taken with food.
A mild fever is normal after surgery. Motrin and fluids usually bring a fever down. Notify your doctor if fever does not respond to Motrin or is greater that 102. Do not take medications containing aspirin.
Bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth can be expected. Brush and rinse mouth as usual. Your child may also complain of a headache and have a clear runny nose. These complaints are normal and should resolve in a few days. If your child is on narcotic pain medication, he or she may have constipation. It is OK to use an over-the-counter laxative.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS TO CALL
OFFICE (Answered 24 hours): 918-492-3636. If you reach the answering service, inform them you are a surgery patient.