What Is A Myringotomy With Tube Insertion?
A myringotomy with tube insertion is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the eardrum, fluid is removed from the middle ear, and a tube is inserted in the eardrum for ventilation of the middle ear space.
What Are The Symptoms Of Fluid In The Middle Ear?
- Recurrent infections
- Hearing loss
- Fullness or pressure
What Can Surgery Accomplish?
- Ventilate middle ear to reduce the risk of
- infection and to equalize pressure
- Restore normal hearing
- Prevent hearing loss and impaired speech
- Alleviate other symptoms
What Does Surgery Entail?
- General anesthesia usually is required for children; local anesthesia generally is adequate for adults
- A tiny hole called a myringotomy is made in the eardrum
- Fluid is suctioned out through the hole
- A tiny tube is placed in the hole, allowing air to enter the middle ear
- Usually after 6 to 18 months, as the eardrum heals, the tube is gradually pushed out of the eardrum; occasionally, the tube remains in the ear canal, where it can be retrieved easily by a physician