Ear TubesMyringotomy and tube insertion is one of the most common procedures performed in the United States and is a safe and effective means to address a common problem among children: frequent and/or persistent middle ear infections (otitis media). Despite its ease of performance and clear benefit as documented in hundreds of peer-reviewed articles, this procedure continues to stimulate lively discussion among parents, pediatricians, and ear, nose, and throat surgeons. Although there are always exceptions, Dr. Speyer recommends this procedure when specific criteria are met following the latest guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The reasons you should consider this procedure will be discussed with Dr. Speyer prior to scheduling. All of the possible indications are too many to list here and should be reviewed with Dr. Speyer with regards to your specific needs. Dr. Speyer will discuss the risks, benefits, and alternatives to this procedure with you in detail. Listed below are some of the disclosed risks of undergoing myringotomy and tube insertion. By reading and signing below, you are stating that you indeed understand the nature of the procedure, the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the procedure. Risks of myringotomy and tube insertion include, but are not limited to, bleeding, infection, failure to resolve recurring infections, damage to the hearing mechanisms (although more commonly this procedure improves the hearing by resolving the fluid that is behind the ear drum). In addition, the procedure carries a risk of infrequent drainage from the ear (post-op otorrhea), which is treated with topical ear drops. The latter is more common in patients who expose the ears to contaminated water, have resistant bacterial infections, more severe middle ear disease requiring more surgery, frequent viral illnesses, and/or severe allergic problems among others. There is a risk of persistent tube (retained) or a perforation of the ear drum after the tube does extrude. This would require an additional procedure to patch the ear drum some time later. Lastly, if this procedure is to be performed under a general anesthetic, this alone carries its own risks regardless of the surgery considered. You should discuss the specific risks with the anesthesiologist during your preoperative anesthetic appointment.
|
|
