Myringotomy

Also known as: ear tubes, ear tube surgery.

What is myringotomy?

Myringotomy with ear tube placement is a very common procedure that is commonly referred to as ear tube surgery. It is usually performed in children to treat recurrent ear infections or persistent fluid in the middle ear. The tubes allow ventilation of the middle ear to decrease the number of ear infections and prevent persistent fluid accumulation in the middle ear.

What happens during the procedure?

Under general anesthesia, a small incision is made in the ear drum to create an opening to the middle ear.  If fluid is present, it is suctioned from the middle ear. A tube is placed in the opening.

Routine follow-up appointments are recommended the check the tubes until they fall out of the ear drum and the hole in the ear drum closes. The majority of tubes fall out on their own. Occasionally, a second surgery is needed to remove the tube and/or patch up the hole in the ear drum.

Is any special preparation needed?

No special preparation is needed for this procedure.

What are the risk factors?

Bleeding, infection, pain, the tube falling out prematurely and a second surgery to remove the tube and/or patch up the hole in the ear drum are potential risks of myringotomy with ear tube placement.

New Outpatient Tube Option for Eligible Children

Recently, some pediatric ENTs have begun offering new ear tube placement methods that can be performed without general anesthesia in an outpatient medical office. Nicklaus Children’s Hospital's Division of Otolaryngology offers the Tula Tympanostomy System, developed by Smith & Nephew. The division offers this method to children over age 5 who have the capability to hold still for the procedure.

The Tula system first delivers a local anesthetic within the patient's ear, followed by placement of the tube. The entire procedure is performed in less than an hour within a medical office. Parents are encouraged to discuss available treatment options with their ENT to determine the best approach for their child.

Reviewed by: Sandeep P Dave, MD

This page was last updated on: 28/5/2026 21:49:43