Grommet Removal Surgery Recovery

Discharge Information: post Grommet(s) Removal Surgery Recovery

Dear Patient/Carer:

Please read this document carefully as it contains important information that complements the
instructions given by your MEG ENT Specialist during your recent surgical admission.

Medications:

• Pain Management:

Pain is uncommon, and usually mild.
You may use common over-the-counter analgesics (e.g. Paracetamol, Ibuprofen) if
required.

• Antibiotics:
  • Antibiotics are not routinely prescribed for this procedure.
    If they are, use as directed.

Wound Care for Grommet removal surgery recovery:

• Keeping the Operated Ear Dry.
  • You must keep your ear canal dry until further advice from your MEG ENT
    Specialist.
  • After your MEG ENT Specialist removes any packing, (See below) you will be able to use
    cotton wool coated with Vaseline® / ear plugs / Blu-tac® / shower caps when showering
    or taking baths to avoid getting water in the ears.
  • Avoid swimming until your MEG ENT Specialist advises you it is safe to do so.
  • If you are able to return to swimming, using ear plugs (custom or disposable) is advisable.
    • Ear plugs can be bought from chemists and are of variable effectiveness
    • Ensure they are the ones for water exclusion (not the noise protection variety).
    • The best are custom made plugs, although they are more expensive – they are
      available from audiologists/hearing aid specialists.
  • Wash your hair carefully at a sink and keep your operated ear away from the water. You
    may then wash the rest of your body as usual (shower or bath)
• Besides the ear water precaution, there is no other specific restriction following
  your surgery.

Read more information about After Ear Surgery Care

Diet:

• No Restrictions

Return to Normal Activities:

• No restrictions aside from water precautions
• Attend your nearest Emergency Department or Local GP Clinic if.

• You have increasing pain or ear discharge
• You have a persistent fever

On your Postoperative Appointment:

• Your MEG ENT Specialist will perform an otoscopy to inspect the ear(s) after Grommet removal surgery recovery. You will need to arrange a hearing test prior to this review and make sure you bring a copy of the results on the day of your appointment.
• You may be discharged for ongoing GP follow-up if no residual ear drum perforation is
  noticed.

Residual Tympanic Membrane Perforation:

• Ear Drum(s) perforation may persist despite adequate care of the ear.
• Your MEG ENT specialist will explain further management options should this be the case.
• Strict ear water precautions must still be kept at all times.
• Please visit your local physician for otoscopy review every 4 months or earlier if you experience
  an ear infection or hearing loss.

We will confirm the time and date of your post-operative appointment soon. Do not hesitate to
contact us if you require any further information regarding these instructions.

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Learn more about grommet surgery.