Pressure-Equalizing Ear Tubes |
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DESCRIPTION
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Doctors sometimes insert a pressure-equalizing (PE) tube into an incision or opening in the eardrum to prevent middle ear infections. These infections, known medically as otitis media, are particularly common in young children. The operation is known as a myringotomy (mir-ing-GOT-oh-mee). The tubes (also called ventilation tubes, tympanoplasty tubes, or transtympanic tubes) resemble very small spools of thread. The PE tubes remain in the eardrums for between 6 and l8 months. During this time, they gradually work their way out of the eardrums and into the ear canals. A small amount of blood may ooze from the ears when the tubes finally come out. Because the tubes are very tiny, it's unlikely that you will see them when they fall out. If the tubes remain in the eardrums longer than five years, they should be removed. Otherwise, scar tissue might form around them.
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COMPLICATIONS
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s Their is a small chance that the tubes could cause scarring or injury to the eardrum, leading to hearing problems. In addition, pus may drain from the ear.
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