What is ear tube placement and how is it done?

If the fluid in the middle ear persists despite medical treatment, a small hole is made in the eardrum with the help of a microscope, and a ventilation tube (ear tube) is placed in this hole in order to drain the fluid in the middle ear and maintain the pressure equalization of the middle ear. While this application is performed under general anesthesia in children, it can also be applied under local anesthesia in adults. The ventilation tube insertion process takes approximately 10-15 minutes. If there is adenoid enlargement that facilitates fluid accumulation in the middle ear in children, the adenoid is also intervened in the same session.

There are different sized tubes made of different materials. Tube selection is preferred according to the patient's problem and desired length of stay.

The tubes stay for about 4-12 months and are usually spontaneously thrown towards the external ear canal. Sometimes the tube can be discarded prematurely for unforeseen reasons. In this case, the fluid in the middle ear may recur and it may be necessary to apply the tube again.

Sometimes, tube removal is delayed, in this case, the tube can be removed by the doctor considering the risks that may occur.