Grommet and Ventilation Tube Surgery

Grommet or ventilation tube surgery is usually carried out as an outpatient procedure under local or general anaesthetic. If you’re having the procedure under general anaesthetic, this means you’ll be asleep for the procedure and won’t feel any pain. The operation normally takes around 20 minutes. 

During grommet or ventilation tube insertion: 

1. Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, your consultant will make a small hole in your eardrum.

2. Any fluid is removed with suction. 

3. The grommets (small plastic or metal tubes) are inserted into the hole.

Grommet and ventilation tube insertion is a generally safe procedure, but as with any type of surgery, there’s a small risk of complications. Your ENT surgeon will explain all the possible risks and complications of your surgery before the procedure and answer any questions you may have. 

Possible complications of grommet and ventilation tube surgery include: 

• adverse reactions to the anaesthetic

• bleeding 

• infection

• ear discharge – a clear, or blood-tinged discharge is common for a day or 2 after surgery

• scarring of the eardrum

• glue ear may recur

• dizziness, tinnitus or hearing loss (rare) 

• the grommets can move out of position (rare) 

• the grommets can fall out too early or stay in too long 

• frequent ear infections – may lead to the grommets needing to be removed 

• a perforated eardrum – this occurs in around 1 in every 100 children, but can be repaired later if necessary

Your consultant will give you instructions on how to prepare for your grommet or ventilation tube surgery. 

Before your surgery, you may need to: 

• stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, for a few days before your surgery. This is to reduce the risk of bleeding during and after your procedure

• avoid eating or drinking anything for a period of time before your procedure (your consultant will give you specific instructions on this)

Recovery from grommet or ventilation tube surgery is generally quick and straightforward, and you can normally go home later the same day. Most people are well enough to return to work or school after a day or 2. 

Some people experience mild pain or discomfort in their ears or throat for a couple of days after their procedure. This will improve gradually within a few days. It’s normal to have a small amount of clear or blood-tinged fluid draining from your ear for a few days after your surgery.  

After your grommet or ventilation tube insertion: 

• take over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if you need to

• if you have discharge from your ear, clean the outside of your ear, but don’t insert anything into your ear canal 

• avoid swimming or immersing your ears in water for 2 to 4 weeks 

• keep your ear canal dry. When showering, insert earplugs or cotton wool coated in Vaseline to prevent water from getting into your ear

Your consultant will arrange a follow-up appointment with you or your child to check your progress during your recovery. This is normally 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery. 

At Welbeck, we provide continuous care throughout your treatment, including aftercare. If you have any questions or concerns after your grommet or ventilation tube insertion, please call the hospital for advice. 

Seek immediate medical attention if you or your child:

• is vomiting excessively or for more than a few hours 

• develops a cough, cold or fever (temperature above 38 °C) 

• has fresh bleeding or excessive discharge from their ears

• has pain or discharge that lasts for more than 2 days

Please contact our Ear, Nose and Throat centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our ear, nose and throat specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof. 

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book grommet and ventilation tubes surgery, you must be referred by either your GP or an ear, nose and throat specialist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment. 

If you would like to schedule a consultation with an ear, nose and throat consultant, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.