Definition

The eardrum and middle ear bones are repaired during tympanoplasty surgery. The eardrum and bones are necessary to hear.

Types of tympanoplasty include:

• Myringoplasty—repair of a tear in the eardrum
• Tympanoplasty with ossiculoplasty—repair of a tear in the eardrum and correction of a defect in the bones of the middle ear
• Tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy is a procedure that repairs a tear in the eardrum and eliminates bone infection in the area behind the ear.

Reasons for Procedure

The procedure can also help to:

• Treat certain types of deafness and restore hearing
• Prevent infection of the middle ear

Possible Complications

Although complications are rare, no procedure is completely risk-free. If you are planning to have a tympanoplasty, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Infection
• Failure to restore hearing
• Damage to structures in or near the middle ear:
• Nerves—resulting in loss or distortion of taste, paralysis of the face
• Middle ear bones—resulting in loss of hearing that may be permanent or require further surgery
• Inner ear structures—resulting in dizziness

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Before surgery, your doctor will check to be sure that you do not have an ear infection.

You will have several tests, including an ear exam and a hearing test. In certain cases, a CT scan is also done.

Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:

• Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs
• Clopidogrel (Plavix) and warfarin (Coumadin) are examples of blood thinners

Anesthesia

The procedure often only requires local anesthesia. Your ear and the area around it will be numb.

Description of the Procedure

The ear will be cut with a small incision. and some tissue will be taken from this area. This tissue will then be attached to the eardrum to cover the hole. Other materials may be added to hold the graft in place. If the middle ear bones require repair, this is also carried out.

It’s possible that a small pack is left in the ear canal. Stitches will be used to close the incision behind the ear.

How Long Will It Take?

1-2 hours

Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure.

Post-procedure Care

To ensure proper healing, avoid the following:

• Blowing your nose hard
• Sneezing
• Exposing your ear to water—Ask your doctor how to wash your hair and shower for the first few weeks after surgery.
• Flying
• Swimming or diving
• Heavy weight lifting and straining

To determine whether the tympanoplasty was successful, will take several weeks after surgery. Complete recovery takes about four weeks. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Call Your Doctor

It’s always important to be aware of symptoms that might indicate a health concern. Here are some common signs that you should contact your doctor after arriving home:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Fluid that is growing or a foul-smelling fluid that is draining from the ear
• The incision site may exhibit redness, swelling, increased pain, bleeding, or discharge
  Dizziness
• Pain that cannot be managed by the medications prescribed to you
• Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
• Any new symptoms

If there is an emergency, immediately call for medical assistance.