Children’s and Young People’s Surgical Day Unit
Will my child have any dressings or bandages?
Your child’s head bandage will need to be removed when they wake up the day after surgery. If your child has been discharged you will be given instructions by the nursing or medical staff on how to do this.
There will be a ribbon dressing in the ear canal to protect your child’s ear whilst it heals. This will make the ear feel blocked. If the dressing starts to fall out of the ear before the follow up appointment carefully cut the ribbon close to the ear using scissors. Do not pull on the dressing or push it into the ear canal.
Will there be any bleeding or bruising after the operation?
There may be some bruising around the ear or on the face. This may take a week or so to settle.
There may be some bloody discharge from your child’s ear for a few days after the operation which is normal. This will gradually reduce each day. You can place a small piece of cotton wool in the ear which you may need to change 3 to 4 times per day for the first few days.
What about managing pain?
The ear will usually be sore for 7 to 14 days after the operation. We advise regular pain relief such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. Please follow the instructions on the bottle and DO NOT give your child more than the stated doses.
Any complications I need to look out for?
If there is any redness or swelling around the ear, especially if your child also has a temperature and feels unwell, this may be a sign of infection..
Your child may feel off balance or sick for a few days after their operation. Some children may get tinnitus (noises in the ear) after the operation which usually settles as the ear heals.
Wound care
The wound and its position will depend on the type of operation which has been performed. Sometimes the cut is made in the ear canal so it can’t be seen. More commonly it is in front of the ear or behind the ear..
The wound will usually be closed with glue and will heal in approximately 7 days. Please ensure the wound is kept dry during this time.
What about washing and bathing?
You must keep your child’s ears dry. To help you with this you can place a small amount of Vaseline onto a cotton wool ball and place it into your child’s ear (s) when bathing or hair washing.
When can my child return to school?
Your surgeon will be able to advise when it would be suitable for your child to return to nursery or school.
When can my child go swimming?
Your child must not go swimming until your surgeon advises it is safe to do so. The earliest this will be is after your follow up appointment.
Follow up
The surgeon will decide when your child needs to be seen again and for when any dressing needs to be removed. This will be written on your discharge letter and is usually 2 to 4 weeks after the operation. The appointment date will be sent in the post.
Who can I contact for advice?
- Children and Young People’s Surgical Day Unit
Telephone: 01642 854927
Monday to Friday, 7.30-19.00pm
Email: [email protected] - Ward 22
Telephone: 01642 854522 (24 hours)
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]
The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW.
Telephone: 01642 850850
