Fluid in the middle ear can be sucked out through the incision. Ear tubes, or tympanostomy tubes, are small tubes, open at both ends, that are inserted into the incisions in the eardrums during myringotomy. They come in various shapes and sizes and are made of plastic, metal, or both. They are left in place until they fall out by themselves or until they are removed by a doctor. It is the recommended treatment if the condition lasts four to six months.
Effusion is the collection of fluid that escapes from blood vessels or the lymphatic system.
In this case, the fluid collects in the middle ear. Initially, acute inflammation of the middle ear with effusion is treated with one or two courses of antibiotics . Antihistamines and decongestants have been used, but they have not been proven effective unless there is also hay fever or some other allergic inflammation that contributes to the problem. Myringotomy with or without the insertion of ear tubes is NOT recommended for initial treatment of otherwise healthy children with middle ear inflammation with effusion. In children with chronic disease, systemic steroids may help, but the evidence is not clear, and there are risks.