It is commonly recommended that patients that have recurrent ear infections and/or fluid in the middle ear have ear tubes surgically placed. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in a surgical setting. Ear tubes have several names: Pressure Equalization (PE) tubes, Ventilation Tubes, or Grommets. Regardless of the name, the procedure is the same. Patients arrive at surgical setting (hospital or outpatient surgical facility). They are then taken to a pre-op room in which the physician and anesthesiologist will discuss procedure with patient and/or parents. Patients are then taken to the surgical suite and given general anesthesia. A small incision is then made in the eardrum and a ventilation tube is placed through the incision to allow air to enter the space behind the eardrum. The procedure usually takes ~ 15 minutes. Patients are then taken to a recovery room and are able to go home the same day.
