Policy for Myringotomy with or without Grommets – Children Only

Category

Threshold Criteria

A myringotomy is an operation to make a tiny cut in the eardrum. Any glue is sucked from the middle ear and if required a grommet is placed in the eardrum. This is to relieve pressure in the ear, caused by a build-up of fluid, drain pus out of the ear.

The procedure is carried out using a short general anaesthetic. The operation is sometimes suggested for children who have hearing problems, keep getting ear infections, have a build-up of mucus in their middle ear, called glue ear.

The guidance applies to children with recurrent ear infections.

Eligibility

Care pathway 1: Children with suspected OME

Care Pathway 2: Children with Down’s syndrome

Care Pathway 3: Children with cleft palate

Guidance