MYRINGOTOMY & TUBES
POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS - MYRINGOTOMY AND TUBES
CALL YOUR SURGEON DURING OFFICE HOURS OR GO TO THE NEAREAST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IF:
1. You develop a fever over 38.5°C or 101.3°F.
2. Pain not relieved by Tylenol.
3. You have persistent vomiting.
4. You develop persistent discharge from ears.
Diet
You may return to normal diet as you can tolerate it.
Activity
You should avoid strenuous play or exercise for 2 – 3 days after surgery to let the tubes seal in place.
You will require earplugs for swimming and submerging their head under water.
Medications
Take any prescribed medications as directed.
You will be prescribed eardrops for 7 days after surgery. Upon administering the prescribed eardrops, a stinging sensation may be felt. You may take Acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol) for pain or discomfort.
Bathing
You should use silicone earplugs or a waterproof earband to avoid getting water in the ears. You can coat a cotton ball with Vaseline and place in the ear when hair is being washed.
Other
For 1-3 days after surgery, it is not uncommon to have a small amount of blood from ears.
For 1-2 weeks after surgery you may experience itching of the ears because of crusting. Do not dig in ears.
Regular earplugs can be purchased at drug stores or custom fitted earplugs may be purchased at audiology service providers. Your surgeon will advise you.
Follow up
Follow up 1 month after surgery.