Tube Implant

Activity

1. The day of the surgery, motor skills may be impaired.
   
   
2. Normal activities may be resumed the day after surgery.
   

General Instructions

1. Frequently, some drainage is seen from the ear. It consists of blood and other materials from the middle ear. THIS IS NORMAL.
   
   
2. If your physician gives you ear drops, please put 3 to 5 drops in each ear 2 times a day for 5 days. If continued ear drainage after five days, call your physician.
   
   
3. Antibiotics given by mouth may or may not be needed, depending on the findings in the ear at the time of the surgery. A prescription will be provided if antibiotics are needed.
   
   
4. There is little or no pain associated with tubes; if some does occur, it can satisfactorily treated with Tylenol or Motrin/Advil.  Please follow dosage instructions on the bottle.
   
   
5. Hearing is almost immediately improved. Some children may find certain noises disturbing for a few days.
   
   
6. Children with tubes may swim in pools. Swimming in lakes and ponds is not recommended. Do not lay the child back in soapy water in the bathtub.
   
   
7. Most tubes will come out in 2-12 months. If special long-lasting tubes were used, the tubes may need to be removed and further surgery performed.
   
   
8. Call your physician at 913-764-2737 if in the first 24 hours after surgery the patient develops a temperature of 101 degrees or more.  If child develops a cough, call their pediatrician or primary care physician.  If a child develops a temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit after 24 hours, call their pediatrician or primary care physician.
   
   
9. Call the office at 913-764-2737 if you notice a foul-smelling green drainage from the ears.
   

Dietary Instructions

• Advance child from liquids to regular foods the day of surgery.
  

Follow-Up Care

• Please call your doctor's office at 913-764-2737 to make an appointment to see her/him in 1-2 weeks.