Our Summary

This research looked at whether children who had a specific type of ear surgery called a tympanostomy tube (TT) placement were more likely to need more ear surgeries in the future, compared to kids who didn’t have the surgery but had frequent ear problems, and healthy kids who didn’t have any ear issues. The researchers looked at data from nearly 200,000 kids who had the TT surgery, over 200,000 kids who had ear problems but didn’t have the surgery, and nearly a million healthy kids. They found that the kids who had the TT surgery were significantly more likely to need more ear surgeries in the future compared to the other two groups. This suggests that having the TT surgery could increase the risk of needing more ear surgeries later on.

FAQs

  1. What is a tympanostomy tube (TT) placement surgery?
  2. According to the research, are children who undergo tympanostomy tube (TT) placement more likely to need additional ear surgeries in the future?
  3. How does the risk of future ear surgeries for children who have undergone TT surgery compare to children with frequent ear problems who did not have the surgery and healthy children?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about ear tube surgery is to follow up regularly with your healthcare provider to monitor the condition of the tubes and ensure they are functioning properly. It is also important to keep water out of the ears to prevent infection and to protect the tubes. Additionally, be sure to follow any post-operative care instructions provided by your doctor to promote healing and prevent complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for ear tube surgery are children who have frequent ear infections or fluid buildup in the middle ear that does not respond to other treatments, such as antibiotics or ear drops. These children may experience hearing loss, speech delays, or other complications due to their ear issues. Ear tube surgery can help to alleviate these symptoms and improve the overall quality of life for these patients.

Timeline

Before ear tube surgery:

  1. Child experiences frequent ear infections or fluid buildup in the middle ear.
  2. Consultation with an ear, nose, and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) to determine if ear tube surgery is necessary.
  3. Pre-operative evaluation and discussion of the procedure with the surgeon.
  4. Surgery scheduled and pre-operative instructions provided to the patient and their family.

After ear tube surgery:

  1. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia, typically taking less than 15 minutes.
  2. Child may experience mild discomfort or ear drainage in the days following the surgery.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor the healing process and ensure proper function of the ear tubes.
  4. Ear infections and fluid buildup in the middle ear are reduced or eliminated following the surgery.
  5. Ear tubes typically fall out on their own after 6-12 months, at which point the eardrum heals and closes.
  6. Some children may require additional ear tube surgeries if ear problems persist after the initial tubes fall out.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with ear tube surgery?
  2. How long does the procedure typically take and what is the recovery process like?
  3. Will my child need to be put under general anesthesia for the surgery?
  4. How will the ear tubes affect my child’s hearing and balance?
  5. How long do the ear tubes typically stay in place before they fall out on their own or need to be removed?
  6. Will my child need to follow any special precautions or restrictions after the surgery?
  7. How often will my child need follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  8. What symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a complication or infection after the surgery?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered instead of ear tube surgery?
  10. What is the likelihood that my child will need additional ear surgeries in the future if they have the TT surgery?

Reference

Authors: Beyea JA, Paradis J, Nguyen P, Hall SF. Journal: Otol Neurotol. 2019 Apr;40(4):478-484. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000002145. PMID: 30870361