AAO/HNS POSITION STATEMENT:
The position of the AAO-HNS is that tympanostomy tubes are safe and effective for managing otitis media in children who meet current guidelines for tube insertion [Rosenfeld 2013]. Although insertion of tympanostomy tubes in children is generally accomplished in the operating room under general anesthesia, insertion in the clinic in appropriately selected patients using shared decision-making between clinicians and families can be appropriate.
In-Office Placement of Tubes in Pediatric Patients While Awake
The position of the AAO-HNS is that tympanostomy tubes are safe and effective for managing otitis media in children who meet current guidelines for tube insertion [Rosenfeld 2013]. Although insertion of tympanostomy tubes in children is generally accomplished in the operating room under general anesthesia, insertion in the clinic in appropriately selected patients using shared decision-making between clinicians and families can be appropriate.
Adopted 7/9/19
The supporting research for this Position Statement, can be found at https://www.entnet.org/content/placement-tubes-pediatric-patients-while-awake.