A myringotomy is performed using general anesthesia when it is performed in a hospital. After the anesthesia is administered, the procedure begins with the preparation of the ear. The ear is prepared with a solution that minimizes the possibility of infection.
Once the ear has been prepared, the surgeon will use either a laser or a sharp instrument to create a tiny hole in the eardrum. A tympanostomy tube is then inserted in the hole, which would heal and close without the tube.
If middle ear fluid is the reason for the surgery, gentle suction may be applied to the eardrum, removing the fluid through the new tube. This usually removes a significant amount of the fluid, which creates an improvement in hearing that is often noted immediately after surgery. The ear may then be packed with cotton or gauze to absorb any drainage that is present.
At this time, the surgery either is complete or the opposite ear is treated with the same procedure. The anesthesia is then turned off and medication is given to wake the patient. The patient is then taken to the recovery room to be closely monitored while the anesthesia wears off completely.
