Myringotomy
Definition
A myringotomy is a procedure to put a hole in the eardrum to
drain fluid from the middle ear. A small tube may also be inserted into the hole to
prevent it from building up again.
Reasons for Procedure
This procedure is done to:
- Treat an ear infection that has not been helped by other methods
- Lower the risk of ear infections
- Restore hearing loss and prevent delayed speech development in children
- Take a sample of fluid from the middle ear to test for infection
- Equalize pressure in the ear and prevent fluid from building up again (if tubes are
put in place)
Possible Complications
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
- Excess bleeding
- Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
- Infection
- Scarring
- Poor healing
- Hearing loss
- Damage to ear structures
- The need for repeat surgery
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:
- Anesthesia options
- Any allergies you may have
- Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to
stop taking them before surgery
- Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night
before
- Arranging for a ride to and from surgery
Anesthesia
The doctor may give:
A sedative—you will feel relaxed
Local anesthesia—the area will be numbed
General anesthesia—you will be asleep
Description of Procedure
A small microscope will be used to view the inside of the ear.
A tiny cut will be made in the eardrum to create a hole. Or a laser will be used to
make the hole. Fluid from the middle ear will be drained. Some people will have a
small tube inserted in the hole and left in place to let more fluid drain. The cut
will heal on its own. The procedure is often done on both ears.
How Long Will It Take?
15 to 20 minutes
Will It Hurt?
Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. There will be
pain and discomfort after surgery. Medicine and home care can help.
Average Hospital Stay
Most people go home the same day. If you have any problems,
you may need to stay longer.
Post-Procedure Care
At the Hospital
After the procedure, the staff may give you pain medicine.
At Home
There may be discomfort for a few days. Full healing will take about 4 weeks. Some
physical activities may be limited, such as swimming. Any tubes put in place will
fall out on their own in 6 to 12 months or they may be removed with later
surgery.
Problems to Look Out For
Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:
- Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, or excessive bleeding
- Pain that you cannot control with medicine
- Discharge from the ear that lasts more than 4 days
- Hearing loss
- Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
- Lasting nausea or vomiting
- New or worsening symptoms
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right
away.
Resources
Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics
https://www.healthychildren.org
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication
Disorders
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov
Canadian Resources
Canadian Society of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery
https://www.entcanada.org
Caring for Kids—Canadian Paediatric Society
https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca
References
Acute otitis media (AOM) in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website.
Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-otitis-media-in-adults. Accessed April
14, 2022.
Acute otitis media (AOM) in children. EBSCO DynaMed
website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-otitis-media-aom-in-children.
Accessed April 14, 2022.
Myringotomy and tubes. The University of Chicago Children's
Hospital website. Available at:
http://d3qi0qp55mx5f5.cloudfront.net/comer/i/basic%5Fpages/Myringtomy%5Fwith%5FTubes%5FPostoperative%5FInstructions.pdf?mtime=1500997217.
Accessed April 14, 2022.
Otitis media with effusion. EBSCO DynaMed website.
Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/otitis-media-with-effusion-ome. Accessed April
14, 2022.