Ear Infections Sometimes Need Surgery
Almost everyone has an ear infection story to tell. There is probably one common thread: the infection happened as a child. Many children are prone to ear infections. Most kids will get at least one infection by age 3. Ear infections are an inflammation of the middle ear. In some cases, surgery helps treat the condition. The doctor may perform a myringotomy or tympanostopy. But what’s the difference?
Why do ear infections happen?
Before going into the surgical details, parents and kids alike should understand what’s happening in the ear. The ear has 3 parts: the outer ear, middle, and inner ear. The eustachian tube then connects the middle ear to the nasal area. This tube helps with balance, pressure, and drains fluid from the ear. If the tubes become inflamed, this can cause a buildup of fluid in the middle ear. The resulting bacteria can cause swelling, pain, fever, and reduced balance. Children are more prone to infections as the ear is still growing and developing.
Treatment and chronic infections
Doctors treat most ear infections with pain medication and antibiotics. Ear infections usually subside within a few days. However, fluid buildup can last several weeks. Parents must make sure to follow the doctor’s instructions to resolve the issue. If the ear infection happens several times a year and does not respond to antibiotics, further treatment may be needed. The fluid buildup may not be allowing the child to fight off future infections. At this point, the doctor may opt to perform ENT surgery. The procedure may be a myringotomy or a tympanostomy.
Cutting to the chase with myringotomy
An ENT surgeon will perform a myringotomy. Myringotomy is a quick, outpatient procedure to relieve pressure and fluid. The patient will be under general anesthesia. The surgeon then makes a tiny incision at the entrance of the middle ear, called the tympanic membrane. Sometimes, the surgeon then uses a small tool to suction out any excess liquid. Over time, myringotomies have minimal scarring and discomfort. The procedure has a high success rate and can even prevent future infections.
Supporting surgery with tubes
Myringotomy is the primary procedure to resolve chronic ear infections. However, the surgeon may perform a companion procedure called tympanostomy. With tympanostomy, the surgeon inserts small tubes into the cut created by myringotomy. The tubes allow excess fluid to drain out of the middle ear. Tympanostomy tubes also keep the middle ear ventilated while improving hearing. An ENT surgeon will often perform both procedures in the same session.
Myringotomy and tympanostomy together
The major difference comes down to surgeon preference. Since tympanostomy is a supporting procedure, doctors can perform myringotomy without the tubes. However, tympanostomy tubes have a high success rate. Studies show that tympanostomy helps with healing, hearing, and reduces the chances of reinfection. So in many cases, the surgeon will opt for ear tubes. Tympanostomy tubes are safe and typically fall out after several months as the incision heals.
Consider surgery today
If a doctor decides on surgery, the words myringotomy and tympanostomy will come up in conversation. Myringotomy can bring much-need relief. And the supporting tympanostomy tubes allow the middle ear to stay ventilated. Parents should speak with an ENT doctor about the child’s chronic ear infections immediately.
Recent Posts
Tired Of Your Ankles Giving Out? Schedule Outpatient Ankle Stabilization
A previous ankle sprain or injury can cause the joint to repeatedly give way. Outpatient ankle stabilization surgery may be the answer.
Permanent Allergies: When To Say Yes To Nasal & Sinus Surgery
Can an allergy become permanent? Chronic nasal and sinus inflammation can lead to permanent allergies, which may require surgery.
How Long Do I Need To Go To Physical Therapy After My ACL Surgery?
After ACL surgery, physical therapy is necessary to achieve full recovery. Most patients require 6-9 months of PT to strengthen the knee.
Ice Cream? What To Expect For Your Tonsillectomy Or Adenoidectomy
A tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy removes small glands to prevent future infections. ice Ice cream can help patients during recovery.
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
