Canalplasty in Children: What to Expect at Home

Your Child's Recovery

Canalplasty makes the ear canal wider.

Your child may have some ear pain for a few days after surgery. Your child also may feel dizzy for several hours after surgery. This is common.

Your child will feel tired for a day. But your child should be able to go back to school or day care in 1 or 2 days.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for your child to recover. But each child recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to help your child get better as quickly as possible.

How can you care for your child at home?

Activity

• Have your child rest for the first few days. When your child is ready, they can begin playing again. Encourage quiet indoor play for the first 3 to 5 days.
• For at least 2 weeks, or as long as your doctor recommends, do not let your child play hard. Make sure that your child does not do anything that would turn them upside down, such as playing on monkey bars or doing somersaults. Also keep your child from sports, bike riding, jumping, or running until your doctor says it is okay.
• Your child will probably be able to go back to school or day care 1 or 2 days after surgery.
• For about 7 days, keep your child away from crowds or people that you know have a cold or the flu. This can help keep your child from getting an infection.
• Try to have your child avoid coughing, nose blowing, or throat clearing. Wipe their nose gently if needed. Tell your child to open their mouth when sneezing and to make a sound to prevent pressure buildup.
• Keep the ear covered during baths to keep water from getting in it for as long as your doctor recommends.

Diet

• Have your child drink plenty of fluids for the first 24 hours to avoid becoming dehydrated. Offer clear fluids, such as water, apple juice, and flavored ice pops.
• You may notice a change in your child's bowel habits right after surgery. This is common. If your child has not had a bowel movement after a couple of days, contact your doctor.

Medicines

• Your doctor will tell you if and when your child can restart any medicines. The doctor will also give you instructions about your child taking any new medicines.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask the doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • Store your child’s prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, be sure your child takes them as directed. Your child should not stop taking them just because they feel better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
• If your child gets medicine for dizziness, be sure your child takes the medicine as directed.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• Your child passes out (loses consciousness).

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your child has symptoms of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  • Red streaks leading from the area.
  • Pus draining from the area.
  • A fever.
• Your child has pain that does not get better after taking pain medicines.
• Your child bleeds through the bandage.
• Your child has new or worse vomiting.
• Your child cannot keep down fluids.

Watch closely for any changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• Your child has drainage from the ear.
• Your child does not get better as expected.