Eustaschian tube surgery for ear drainage

[Sam Wallis]

I have major ear drainage caused by pressure from my CPAP.  I also have tubes in both ears.  My ENT wants to do ear surgery to completely close off my eustaschian tubes so the CPAP cannot be force air into my middle ear.  Has anyone had this procedure and if so, how did it work? 

 I am a bit nervous about having this done, as any fluid in my ear would then have to exit via the tube in the ear drum. Also will the tubes in the ear drums allow good pressure equalization, like when flying?  Also, what happens if a tubes in my ears becomes plugged with earwax?  Please respond if you know anything about this procedure.   I have not been able to find any information on line about it.  There is a lot of info about surgery to open up a closed eustachian tube, but I have not found any info on permanently closing off a eustachian tubes.  Comments anyone?

[ajack]

It may be the best course of action. It sounds like it will fix the pressured muck not draining. As you know that isn't what most people encounter on cpap.
Depending on the severity of it this month. I'm going to sound like a tree hugging anti-vacc, but I don't mean to.
It seems most ear infections are viral caused. Some ear issues are cause by antibiotics upsetting the balance of good and bad bugs in the ear. Google snorting probiotic powder from capsules. To get the right bugs in your sinus and then into tubes. It will cost nothing, you will know in a month if it worked.

[Sam Wallis]

I don't seem to have any ear drainage or ear infections when I am not using my CPAP.  But, put me on CPAP and my ears are pouring fluid!  I mean slime up my pillow, and run down the side of my neck draining.

[Walla Walla]

[Sleep2Snore]

I don't seem to have any ear drainage or ear infections when I am not using my CPAP.  But, put me on CPAP and my ears are pouring fluid!  I mean slime up my pillow, and run down the side of my neck draining.

UCK!  I don't like the sound of that.

[Sam Wallis]

Yep, it is no  good.  I really don't like to think of surgery to prevent the drainage though. 

[trish6hundred]

Hi Sam Wallis,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
I'm not familiar with that particular surgery.
Hopefully, you find a solution to your problem so you can have better success with your CPAP therapy.
Good luck to you and keep us posted on how things go for you.

[Sleeprider]

My understanding is that this is a rare procedure without a lot of study or experience to document its efficacy or side-effects. I found very little about it. I would certainly obtain a second opinion from a qualified ENT to see if any other ideas shake loose, or this is the preferred course. Many people have myringotomy tubes in their ears, but it is rarely something that must be maintained for a life time. This procedure would mean you will be subject to repeated surgeries and anesthesia to maintain those tubes.

In your other thread, I suggested you might look into the INSPIRE therapy which implants an electrode in the soft palate tissue. I don't normally consider that approach superior to CPAP, but in your case, I might make an exception.

[Sam Wallis]

I will keep you posted.  Today I have an appointment with my regular ENT dr and I will talk to him about the surgery the ENT surgeon wants to do.  I will post what he says for you all.  I, so far, have not heard of anyone who is familiar with surgery to block the eustachian tubes.  Maybe my regular doctor will have heard of it.

[Sleeprider]

Sam, ask about the INSPIRE therapy option.