| Now it's time to talk about the actual procedure your doctor has recommended for you.
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On the day of your operation, you will be asked to put on a surgical gown. |
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You may receive a sedative by mouth and |
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an intravenous line may be put in. |
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You will then be transferred to the operating table. |
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The surgeon will apply an antiseptic solution to the skin on the interior of the ear canal . . |
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and will then swab the area around the eardrum with a local anesthetic. |
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While the anesthetic is taking effect, the surgeon will position a microscope in front of the ear. When the operative field is numb, |
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the surgeon will use the microscope to help make a very small incision in the lower part of the ear drum so that the fluid can drain harmlessly away. |
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In most cases, one or more drainage tubes are left in place to continue to allow fluid to escape during healing. |
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Sutures are not required, as the ear drum will heal naturally. And the drainage tube will either fall out by itself - or it will removed by the surgeon, one to three weeks later. |
