Ear tubes commonly used

 Chronic drainage from ears can be an ongoing nuisance despite treatment with antibiotics, drops, powders, and ear tubes. Pittsburgh Ear Surgeons have found excellent results with a special mastoid ventilation technique.

For patients who have not succeeded with traditional treatments, an approach combining a mastoidectomy operation with placement of a temporary catheter has permitted outstanding improvements. With this treatment the catheter allows adequate air flow to the mastoid spaces and provides a pathway for medication placement directly into the affected ear.

While temporary drainage usually responds well to traditional treatments, this catheter procedure is highly effective in certain difficult cases. Usually a small tube is left in the eardrum and the catheter is removed in a painless office procedure.