Insertion of Ventilation Tubes in the Eardrum
What is tympanostomy?
Tympanostomy refers to the surgical insertion of a tube into the eardrum through a small incision. The purpose of the procedure is to remove fluid from the middle ear, establish an open airflow to the middle ear, and equalize the pressure in the middle ear with the surrounding environment.
The tube can be placed in one or both ears. Tympanostomy is often accompanied by adenoidectomy – the removal of the adenoids – to permanently prevent Eustachian tube dysfunction, fluid accumulation in the middle ear, and consequently, recurrent infections.
Who are candidates for ventilation tube insertion?
This procedure is indicated for children who suffer from:
- Recurrent middle ear Infections that do not respond to conservative treatment (acute otitis media) – three infections within 6 months.
- Persistent fluid accumulation in the middle ear (chronic secretory otitis media) – lasting more than three months.
Secretory otitis does not present with signs of acute inflammation. Its symptoms typically include reduced hearing, a feeling of fullness, and occasional ear pain. Untreated secretory otitis can lead to eardrum damage and delayed speech development in children due to impaired hearing.
Although these issues are less common in adults, the procedure can also be performed on adults.
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SEND INQUIRYProcedure overview
Tympanostomy is performed by an otolaryngologist under general anesthesia in children, but in adults, local anesthesia may be used. The procedure is quick, straightforward, and safe. It involves making a small incision in the eardrum through which accumulated fluid or thick, gelatinous material caused by prolonged middle ear infection is drained. A tiny tube (ventilation tube) is then placed in the eardrum opening. The entire procedure takes about 15 minutes. Afterward, the patient remains under medical observation for 3-4 hours before being discharged for home care.
Preparation for tympanostomy
An otorhinolaryngological examination is required before the procedure to determine the indications for surgery. If there is a suspicion of hearing loss, an audiological exam is conducted, which may include audiometry (hearing test) and tympanometry, confirming the presence of fluid in the middle ear based on eardrum elasticity.
Once the otorhinolaryngologist indicates the procedure, a complete blood count, blood coagulation test, and an anesthesiologist’s evaluation are necessary to approve the surgery.
On the day of the procedure, the patient should arrive fasting.
Recovery from tympanostomy
Post-procedure, patients receive antibiotic ear drops to be used for one week.
With tubes in place, it is permissible to wet the head and swim, but the use of earplugs is recommended.
The tubes typically fall out on their own within 6-12 months. If they remain, they are removed no earlier than 6 months after the procedure.
Precautions
Rare side effects of tympanostomy include:
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Scarring on the eardrum or non-healing of the eardrum incision/perforation
- Blockage of the tube with earwax
- Recurrent infections despite the procedure
Cost of tympanostomy
You can check the price of the procedure in the current price list of Poliklinika Sinteza, or contact us by phone at +385 1 5005 970 or via email at info@sinteza.hr for more information. For direct appointment reservations, click on the link.
Service location
- Već 16 godina prvi izbor naših klijenataSinteza - Folnegovićeva
