PE Tubes

Please read this sheet before and after surgery and follow all the instructions to assure the best result from the surgery.

• Please arrive at the hospital on time. If you are late your surgery may need to be postponed or delayed.
• It is very important that you arrive with an empty stomach. If you drink water, milk, etc, or have anything to eat after midnight the night before your surgery will be cancelled. This is to ensure your safety.
• It is normal to have some bloody drainage the first couple of days after surgery. If you were given drops use them twice a day for 2 - 3 days.
• Your child can eat and drink as usual the night of the surgery. He or she may be a little fussy and you can give them some Tylenol if needed.
• It is not unusual for children to have a fever, up to 101°F 1 - 3 days after the surgery. Treat with children’s Motrin or Tylenol. If fever persists call.
• With ear tubes in the ears you now need to try to keep water out of the ears. Dirty lake and river water is the worst, but try to avoid pool and bath water as well. Use earplugs when swimming or bathing in the tub. If some water does get in the ears it will most likely be okay. You may put some drops in the ears and call our office if drainage occurs.
• If your child develops an ear infection once the tubes have been placed, you may notice a foul smelling drainage from the ears. If you notice any drainage please call and we will start your child on drops. We can usually avoid oral antibiotics from now on.
• Most children will resume their normal activities right away. Encourage them to do this.

Finally, please call the office and talk to a medical assistant if you have any questions or concerns about your recovery.