BENEFITS AND RISKS OF BILATERAL TYMPANOSTOMY AND TUBE INSERTION
INTRODUCTION
Your child has been offered tympanostomy tubes for management of chronic ear effusions, recurring ear infections and/or hearing loss. As has been discussed by your physician, other treatment modalities (including antibiotics and watchful waiting) are available but are either not appropriate in your child’s case or has been ineffective in the past.
BENEFITS OF SURGERY
The purpose of this procedure is to help your child have healthy ears by removing the fluid from the middle ears and to reduce the frequency of ear infections. This will also help to decrease the use of antibiotics. In helping to keep your child’s ears healthy, tubes will help to improve hearing as well as your child’s speech development.
RISKS OF TYMPANOSTOMY AND TUBE INSERTION INCLUDE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
The potential risks of this procedure include “a hole that may remain in the eardrum after the tube comes out” or “sometimes the tube may stay in place too long and may require an additional surgery to remove the tube and patch the eardrum”. About 10% of children will continue to have ear infections with ear discharge that will require treatment.
Water precautions are recommended with tubes. Protecting your child’s ears from soapy water or lake or pond water with earplugs is recommended. Once tubes fall out, about 20% of children will need a second set. Regular interval visits, about every 4 months, are necessary to monitor your child’s ears while he/she has tubes in place.
Additional risks discussed include______
It is anticipated that your child’s recovery will be safe and uneventful. However, it is essential that you understand these benefits and risks.
I have been given a copy of the risks and benefits of surgery and have had the opportunity to ask questions.
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Shared: BEMEFITSANDRISKSOFBTT
September 17, 2014
3580 Sheridan Drive, Suite 115
Amherst, NY 14226
(716) 362-9730