Myringotomy and Ear Tubes Health Article

ORGANIZATIONS

American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA). 4929 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 428, Los Angeles, CA 90010. (323) 937-5514. <http://www.medicalacupuncture.org>.

American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Inc. One Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-3357. (703) 836-4444. <http://www.entnet.org>.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). 141 Northwest Point Boulevard, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. (847) 434-4000. <http://www.aap.org>.

Mary Zoll, PhD
Rebecca Frey, PhD

WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?

Myringotomies are performed by family practitioners, pediatricians, and otolaryngologists, who are surgeons who specialize in treating disorders of the ears, nose, and throat.

A conventional myringotomy is usually done in an ambulatory surgical unit under general anesthesia, although some physicians do it in the office with sedation and local anesthesia, especially in older children and adults. In either case, it is considered same-day surgery. Laserassisted myringotomies are usually performed in doctors' offices or outpatient surgery clinics.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

• What alternatives to myringotomy might work for my child?
• How can I lower my child's risk of recurrent ear infections?
• Do you perform laser-assisted myringotomies?
• What is your opinion of removing my child's adenoids to lower the risk of future hospitalizations?