After Ear Tube Placement – Dr. Comer
What should I expect after the procedure?
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If we used a general anesthetic, your child may be drowsy for a few hours.
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Your child should feel better. Most patients do not have much pain. We will give Tylenol if needed.
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Your child may have a little drainage or blood the first 72 hours. This is normal. You may gently clean it with a dry towel. Do not put a Q-tip or cotton applicator deep in your child’s ear.
How do I care for my child?
Medicine: We may prescribe ear drops for your child. Have your child lay with one ear down. Place the drops as directed and stay in that position for 1 minute. Then, roll your child over and repeat as directed above. Of course, this may be much easier to do with older children!.
Eating and drinking: Your child should only eat what he or she can handle. Your child may need to take only liquids the first several hours and will slowly go back normal foods.
Bathing and swimming:
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For bathtubs or chlorinated swimming pools, you can decide if your child will wear earplugs or cotton with vasoline.
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Your child should wear ear plugs in water where fish or other organisms live.
When should my child follow-up with the doctor?
We will scheduled a doctor visit 2-3 weeks after surgery. It is important to keep this appointment. Dr. Comer will make sure the position of the ear tube is correct.
After that, your child will have a routine ear tube check every 4-6 months. It is important to know when the tubes fall out, to see if the ear drum has healed, and to see if fluid has built up in the middle ear.
When should I call the doctor?
Call Dr. Comer – or go to the emergency room – if you have any of these:
Please call if you have any questions or problems. Call the clinic at 859-257-5405. After hours, call 859-323-5321 and ask for ENT on call.