Post-op Ventilation Tubes (grommets)

Insertion of ventilation tubes and removal of adenoids is usually performed as day only surgery, unless a tonsillectomy is performed at the same time.

Following the insertion of the tubes, the ears may be hyper-sensitive to loud noises for a few days. If there is a significant amount of infected fluid within the middle ear you or your child will be asked to use Ciloxan ear drops: 3 drops into each ear, 3 times a day, for 3 days.

Pain is very rarely problem, with simple analgesia such as paracetamol all that will be required.

Water precautions will reduce the small risk of problems with infections. When swimming or bathing both ear plugs and a swimming cap, or head band should be used. Blu-tac can be used as a plug, or we can arrange to have custom made plugs made.

If discharge does happen, you should restart the Ciloxan drops for 3 days and let me know. We will need to arrange an appointment if the discharge continues for more than a couple of days.

A post-operative visit is usually scheduled about 3 weeks after your operation, and a repeat hearing test performed.

Usually routine review is required every 3-6 months, and a repeat hearing test is arranged during this period of time. Often the most important appointment is that after the tubes have extruded, to make sure that the ears are functioning normally without them. Occasionally a second set, and rare still further sets of tubes are required until the ear has matured to allow normal function. Very occasionally we need to remove the tubes if they have not grown themselves out, and rarer still a small residual perforation can be left behind once the tubes extrude. All these factors reinforce the need for long term follow-up.

 

If you have any questions or problems please call us on 93805380 . If it is after hours the best number to call is 83821111, which is St Vincent’s Public Hospital and ask to speak to the ENT registrar. If it is urgent call my mobile phone which will be supplied at the time of surgery.

 In an emergency situation please make your way to the closest major hospital