Ear tubes, known by ENT (ear, nose and throat) physicians as tympanostomy tubes (TT), are a common treatment for chronic or recurrent middle ear infections in young children. One article published in the National Library of Medicine in 2022 reports, “Almost 7% of all children will have a least one set of TT by 3 years of age, and approximately 20% of children who receive one set of TT will require a second set at some point in their lives.” In this post, we review how to prepare your child for ear tube surgery.
Before Surgery
In the days and weeks leading up to your child’s ear tube surgery, you can:
- Talk to them about the procedure. Tell your child that you’ll take them to see a hospital, where nice doctors and nurses will take good care of them for a little while. They will go to sleep, then when they wake up, you’ll be with them. After that, they won’t have any more ear pain while playing at Compton Park in Alexandria.
- Schedule a tour. Many hospitals and surgical centers would allow you and your child to tour the facilities. This way, your child will be less nervous, as they won’t be in an unfamiliar place on the day of their surgery.
- Communicate with their care team. During the consultation appointment with the care team, make sure to tell them about all the medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies your child takes. They will advise how and when to stop them, if necessary.
Day of Surgery
The day before and the day of surgery, be sure to:
- Follow all pre-op instructions. This will likely include not letting your child eat or drink the night before or the morning of surgery, or else it will be rescheduled.
- Practice good hygiene. Make sure your child bathes and brushes their teeth, but don’t let them swallow any water or toothpaste, and don’t apply lotions or deodorants.
- Bring a comfort item. Allow your young child to bring a comfort item such as a blanket, stuffed animal, toy or book.
After Surgery
After surgery, look out for the following signals that you need to contact their doctor:
- Bright red blood draining from the ears.
- Ear pain that is not relieved by non-aspirin pain relievers.
- A fever above 101°F.
- Vomiting.
- Dehydration.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment with an expert ENT physician, call Red River ENT Associates today.
