In this surgery, an open-ended, roller-shaped tube is attached to the eardrum. One side of this tube opens to the outer ear and the other side to the middle ear. Thus, it is aimed to equalize the pressure on both sides of the eardrum. The Eustachian tube normally takes over the function of this tube. However, if the Eustachian tube cannot do its job and this cannot be corrected with medications and assistive maneuvers, it may be necessary to insert a tube into the eardrum. The tube attached to the ear is called a pressure equalizing tube or ventilation tube.
Inserting a Tube into the Ear
In which situations is the tube inserted?: The tube is applied in pressure problems that cause fluid accumulation in the middle ear and collapse of the eardrum. Such a situation is usually due to adenoid or allergic causes. However, it is also used in cases of frequent recurrence of middle ear inflammation due to bacteria, bleeding in the middle ear and eardrum collapse due to other reasons. It is usually necessary in children, but tube insertion is also common in adults.
How to Insert the Tube: Both local anesthesia and general anesthesia can be used to insert the tube. However, general anesthesia is often used in children. Working with a microscope, the external ear canal is entered and the eardrum is scratched. This process is called paracentesis. The fluid in the middle ear is drawn out from the scratched area in the eardrum. With special tools, the tube is inserted into the scratched area on the membrane, with one end in the outer ear and the other end in the middle ear. There is no visible change in the patient’s ear.
Does the tube stay in place all the time? : No, the eardrum ejects the tube after a while. This period can be extended up to 1 year. Rarely, the tube cannot be expelled and the doctor may need to pull it out. The shape of the inserted tube also affects the residence time of the tube in the membrane. Tubes called t-tubes stay in place longer.
Is Tube Insertion a Final Solution? : Tube insertion usually corrects the problem in the middle ear, but if the cause of the pressure problem in the middle ear continues after the tube is removed, the same disease may recur. Therefore, adenoids, allergies or other causes should also be treated appropriately. Sometimes, there are patients who need to have a tube inserted several times and still cannot get a definitive solution.
What are the Drawbacks of Tube Insertion? : Insertion of a tube into the ear is usually a problem-free operation. However, sometimes some problems may occur. In addition to the risk of anesthesia, there may be complications such as rupture of the eardrum and leakage of the tube into the middle ear during surgery. After the surgery, ear discharge, calcification in the eardrum and a permanent hole may occur where the tube is inserted. Ear discharge is indicative of inflammation and usually clears up easily with antibiotics.
What Should Be Considered After the Surgery? : Tube insertion is not an operation that puts the patient in trouble after the operation. The most important issue that the patient will pay attention to is to prevent water from entering the ear. This can be harmful as it causes inflammation. Apart from this, the patient can continue his normal life. A patient with a tube in his ear should visit his doctor at regular intervals. For this, the patient is usually seen once a month.