Infra-red tympanic thermometry is a relatively new technique for measu
ring body temperature which requires the minimum of co-operation and i
s quick and easy to use. It is therefore ideal for use in children. It
s use is becoming more widespread and as it is theoretically possible
that minor ear surgery may interfere with function its reliability in
these patients may be in question. Twenty-two children (mean age 5.3 y
ears) who underwent myringotomy +/- grommet insertion had the tympanic
temperature of each ear measured immediately before, and 15 minutes a
fter, surgery on the recovery ward. No difference was found between th
e pre- and post-operative temperatures (mean difference - 0.1 degrees
C, p>0.1, paired t-test, hypothesized difference of 0). This thermomet
er appears to be a reliable way of monitoring body temperature an a pa
ediatric ENT recovery ward in patients who have undergone minor ear su
rgery.