Grommets

Grommet Surgery

What are Grommets?

Grommets (middle ear ventilation tubes), are small tubes that can be placed in the ear drum. They can be used to drain fluid from the middle ear, assist middle ear ventilation or help antibiotic ear drops reach the middle ear.

What is involved in surgery for Grommets?

Before the Surgery for GRommets:

  • Blood thinners; Please notify your surgeon if you are currently taking any blood thinning medication (anticoagulants/antiplatelets), vitamins or herbal suppliments. These medications will need to be ceased prior to your surgery.

  • Fasting; To ensure the anaesthetic is as safe as possible, patient are required to fast (both solids & liquids) for at least 6 hours before their operation. The fasting times will be confirmed the day before the procedure. 

Grommet Surgery:

  • Once asleep and using an operative microscope, a small incision is made in the ear drum. Any fluid that is present in the middle ear is removed and a grommet is placed into the ear drum. Antibiotic ear drops are inserted into the ear at the conclusion of the case.

After the Surgery:

  • When you wake up; Patients will wake up in the recovery room and are often still drowsy from the anaesthesia. It will take several hours for the medication effects to wear off. A canula will be used to provide pain relief and fluids whilst you are still recovering.

  • Diet; Patients are encouraged to eat and drink as soon as possible. 

  • Pain relief; This procedure is not typically painful. However, all patients will be given a pain plan prior to discharge.

  • Bleeding; Patients can expect a small amount of blood in the ear canal after this procedure. If a profuse bleed occurs please contact the rooms of Dr Raftopulos immediately.

How long is the recovery after Grommet Surgery?

Patients can go home the same day of their operation.

Post-operative care following Grommet Surgery

Whilst a patient has grommets in their ears, they should avoid dirty water from entering the canal. Grommets typically remain in for 12-18months and will fall out by themselves. Review with you specialist will need to continue whilst the grommets remain in the ear drum.