Specialist Children’s ENT Care

Grommet Insertion

Glue ear can occur in the early years of life. When fluid collects in the middle ear, it can contribute to speech delay, hearing loss and balance difficulties. Glue ear may resolve naturally within three months, so at an initial visit Mr Kumar may discuss using an Otovent balloon if it is appropriate for your child.

If glue ear persists for three months, your child may need a grommet to help with hearing, speech and balance. Grommets are small ventilation tubes that help drain fluid and maintain pressure in the middle ear. Mr Kumar performs this procedure using an endoscope, which can be helpful when inserting a grommet through a small ear canal. Hearing aids may also be an option to support hearing.

Grommets may fall out naturally after six to twelve months. Children generally do not feel the grommet once it has been inserted.

Possible complications: The most common complications of grommet surgery include bleeding, infection, perforation of the eardrum and recurrence of glue ear, which may require reinsertion.

Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy

Tonsil surgery may be offered if your child has recurrent tonsillitis or if enlarged tonsils obstruct the airway and make breathing difficult at night. Mr Kumar will discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure and answer your questions and concerns.

Preauricular Sinus

A preauricular sinus can appear as a small pit or swelling in front of the ear. Surgery may be considered if it causes repeated discharge or infections. Careful, complete en-bloc removal is important to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Thyroglossal Cyst

A thyroglossal cyst is a congenital cyst that can present as a swelling at the front of a child’s neck. It may become infected and form an abscess. If the child has symptoms, treatment may involve surgical removal of the cyst through a small incision in the neck.

Pinnaplasty

Prominent ears can affect a child’s confidence and social experiences. Otoplasty, also called pinnaplasty, is a procedure to pin the outer ear (pinna) back. Surgery may be offered to children over the age of five.

Different techniques can be used to correct ear shape, and Mr Kumar will discuss the most appropriate approach. Your child may be able to go home on the same day after surgery. A head bandage may be needed for a few days. It is important to keep the wound dry and avoid trauma to the ear.

Possible complications: These include bleeding, wound or cartilage infection, haematoma, scar or keloid formation, recurrence and the possible need for revision surgery.

Adenoidectomy

Adenoid tissue is part of the immune system and can become enlarged during the early years of life. Your child may be considered for adenoid surgery if they have nasal obstruction, glue ear, recurrent ear infections, recurrent sinusitis or nasal discharge.

The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. Mr Kumar uses suction diathermy, a technique intended to remove the adenoids with minimal blood loss, rather than curettage. If appropriate for your child, he may recommend removing the tonsils and/or inserting grommets at the same time. This may be offered as a day-case procedure, allowing the child to go home on the same day when clinically suitable.

Possible complications: These include bleeding, infection, pain, earache, dental damage, voice changes and bad breath. Your child will generally need two weeks away from school to support recovery and reduce exposure to infection.