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Aural Atresia Repair: Before Your Child's Surgery

What is aural atresia repair?

Aural atresia is the lack of an ear canal. It may occur in one or both ears. In aural atresia repair, the doctor rebuilds the canal and middle ear. This surgery is done when a child is at least 5 years old.

The doctor makes a new ear canal and fixes problems in the middle ear. Your child will be asleep during the surgery.

Children often go home several hours after surgery. They may have ear pain for a few days after surgery. Your child will probably be able to go back to school or daycare within a week.

The surgery should improve your child's hearing. But your child may still need a hearing aid.

When a child has aural atresia, the outside of the ear may not look normal. The doctor may want to repair it as well. This is done in a separate surgery, usually before the canal and middle ear are fixed.

How do you prepare for surgery?

Surgery can be stressful for both your child and you. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your child's surgery.

Preparing for surgery

Talk to your child about the surgery. Tell your child that the surgery should help their hearing. Hospitals know how to take care of children. The staff will do all they can to make it easier for your child.
Ask if a special tour of the surgery area and hospital is available. This may make your child feel less nervous about what happens.
Plan for your child's recovery time. Your child may need more of your time right after the surgery, both for care and for comfort.
Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
Tell the doctors ALL the medicines and natural health products your child takes. Some of these can increase the risk of bleeding or interact with anesthesia. Your doctor will tell you which medicines your child should take or stop before surgery.

The day before surgery

A nurse may call you (or you may need to call the hospital). This is to confirm the time and date of your child's surgery and answer any questions.
Remember to follow your doctor's instructions about your child taking or stopping medicines before surgery. This includes over-the-counter medicines.

What happens on the day of surgery?

Follow the instructions exactly about when your child should stop eating and drinking. If you don't, the surgery may be cancelled. If the doctor told you to have your child take any medicines on the day of surgery, have your child take them with only a sip of water.
Have your child take a bath or shower before you come in. Do not apply lotion or deodorant.
Your child may brush their teeth. But tell your child not to swallow any toothpaste or water.
Do not let your child wear contact lenses. Bring your child's glasses or contact lens case.
Be sure your child has something that's a reminder of home. A special stuffed animal, toy, or blanket may be comforting. For an older child, it might be a book or music.

At the hospital or surgery centre

A parent or legal guardian must accompany your child.
Your child will be kept comfortable and safe by the anesthesia provider. Your child will be asleep during the surgery.
The surgery will take several hours. It depends on how hard the problem is to fix.
After surgery, your child will be taken to the recovery room. As your child wakes up, the recovery room staff will monitor your child's condition. The doctor will talk to you about the surgery.
You will probably be able to take your child home several hours after the surgery.

When should you call your doctor?

You have questions or concerns.
You don't understand how to prepare your child for the surgery.
Your child becomes ill before the surgery (such as fever, flu, or a cold).
You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about your child having the surgery.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

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