Myringotomy is a procedure where the doctor creates an incision in the eardrum. The procedure itself allows for a plastic tube (tympanostomy tube) to be inserted, thus helping prevent recurrent ear infections. Risks of the surgery include persistent infection, ear drainage, failure to prevent ear infections, scarring of the eardrum, and hearing loss. Rarely, when the tube falls out (usually occurs after 12-18 months) the hole in the eardrum fails to close, leaving the patient with a perforated eardrum. When this occurs, the patient has to keep water out of the ear and they may require a surgery to close the perforation. After a patient has tubes placed, typically they are treated with antibiotic ear drops for 5-7 days.
Call Waco Ear, Nose & Throat at (254) 776-7744 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
