Ear drops after tube surgery: do they prevent blockage?
NCT ID NCT03655665
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looked at whether using antibiotic ear drops during and after ear tube surgery reduces the chance of tube blockage or ear drainage in children. Only 9 children took part, and each child received drops in one ear but not the other. The study was stopped early, so the findings are not conclusive.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- ofloxacin otic solution (Floxin Otic)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple way to prevent ear tube blockage and drainage after surgery in children.
- What could go wrong
- This was a very small, early study that was terminated early, so results are limited and may not apply to all children. The drops may cause irritation or allergic reactions.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Boston Children's Hospital at Waltham
Waltham, Massachusetts, 02453, United States
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