A myringotomy, or surgery to make a hole in the ear drum, is a common surgery. It is typically paired with the insertion of a typanostomy tube, a tiny tube that is placed in the newly created hole in the ear drum, which allows infectious material to drain from the middle ear. The procedure is performed by an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose and throat doctor.
The surgery may be performed on both ears if necessary, or only one if the middle ear problem is present only on one side. The procedure is most frequently performed on children, usually under five years of age, but may also be performed on older children and adults. The procedure is a temporary solution, as the ear tubes eventually fall out, but can be repeated if necessary.
The laser method of the myringotomy surgery can be performed in a doctor’s office with an ear numbing medication, but the vast majority of procedures are performed in a hospital with general anesthesia. It may be difficult to locate a doctor performing this procedure outside of a hospital as the laser equipment is extremely expensive.
It is important to properly prepare children for surgery so that the experience is not a terrifying one. While different age groups require different information before surgery, it is important that the child not find out about the surgery upon arrival at the hospital. It is well worth the time to make sure that a child’s fears and concerns are addressed prior to the procedure.
