Enlargement of the Eustachian tube (tubal dilatation)

Purpose of the operation

The purpose of widening the Eustachian tube is that you can better equalize the pressure in the middle ear and thus remedy your ear problems.

The operation lasts approx. 30 minutes and is done under full anesthesia. The operation takes place through the nostrils using binoculars and a probe. A balloon is then introduced into the Eustachian tube, which is inflated and held for 2 minutes. The intervention is expected to have an effect on approx. 75% of patients. You will be discharged the same day when you feel well.

How to prepare for surgery

Before surgery, you should ideally have used a prescription nasal spray for 2 weeks.

After the operation

After an operation, you may often need painkillers. We recommend that you make sure to buy over-the-counter medicines such as Pinex, Panodil or Pamol for when you are discharged.

After the operation, you must have antibiotics for a week, usually penicillin as tablets and 2 different nasal sprays in each one week (Zymelin/Otrivin) and one month (adrenocortical hormone nasal spray). The day after the operation, you must start blowing air into the ears (Valsalva) many times a day for 2 weeks.

Outpatient control

An outpatient check-up is arranged approx. 2 months after surgery, where you will have your ears checked and the effect of the intervention assessed. The need for later control is determined at this point, but is often not found to be necessary.

Complications

The risks are very small. There may be some soreness to the ears and nose and some bleeding from the nose after the procedure. There is a small risk of otitis media. A very few patients may experience the Eustachian tube dilating too much. This can be annoying, as you can experience hearing your own voice. Often this is temporary but can be permanent and there is no treatment