For children who have chronic, reoccurring ear infections, ear tubes are often recommended. These tubes are made of plastic or metal and are surgically placed in the eardrum to allow fluid to drain from the middle ear, treating and preventing infections.
Ear tube surgery is extremely common. In fact, according to one 2022 article published in the National Library of Medicine, “Almost 7% of all children will have a least one set of TT by 3 years of age, and approximately 20% of children who receive one set of TT will require a second set at some point in their lives.”
In this post, we review how to prepare your child for ear tube surgery.
Days Leading Up to Surgery
In the days leading up to your child’s ear tube surgery, you should:
- Tell them about the procedure. Sit your child down and talk to them about how, in a few days, you’ll take them to a doctor’s office or hospital, where doctors and nurses will take good care of them. The doctor will take them back to a room away from you, put a mask over their face and they’ll go to sleep. Then, when they wake up, you’ll be with them again. After they get to go home, they won’t have any more pain in their ears while playing at Kachina Park in Phoenix.
- Schedule a tour of the facility. Some clinics and hospitals allow patients to tour their facilities so that the child won’t be as nervous on the day of the surgery due to being in an unfamiliar place.
- Communicate with their care team. Prior to the surgery, you’ll have a consultation appointment with the care team. Make sure you tell them about all the medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies your child takes. They may advise you to have your child stop taking some or all of these for a little while. Follow these instructions carefully.
Day of Surgery
In the 24 hours leading up to surgery, make sure you:
- Follow all pre-op instructions. Your child’s doctor will tell you not to let your child eat or drink the night before or morning of surgery. If they do, the surgery will need to be rescheduled.
- Practice good hygiene. Ensure your child bathes and brushes their teeth the morning of surgery; however, don’t let them swallow any water or toothpaste, and don’t apply lotions or deodorants.
- Bring a comfort item. Tell your child they can bring a comfort item such as a blanket, stuffed animal, toy or book to the clinic or hospital.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment with an expert ENT physician, call Arizona Desert Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists today.
