Tympanoplasty(Middle Ear Repair)Pronounced: tim-PAN-oh-plas-tee
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Editorial Staff and Contributors DefinitionTympanoplasty is a surgery done to repair the eardrum and middle ear bones. The eardrum and bones are necessary to hear.
Types of tympanoplasty include:
Reasons for ProcedureThe procedure can also help to:
Possible ComplicationsProblems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
What to ExpectPrior to ProcedureBefore 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 medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure. AnesthesiaGeneral anesthesia is used. You will be asleep through the procedure. Description of the ProcedureA small incision will be made behind the ear. Some tissue will be extracted 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 bones of the middle ear need to be repaired, then this is done as well. A small pack may be left in position in the ear canal. The incision behind the ear will be closed with stitches. How Long Will It Take?1-2 hours Will It Hurt?Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications. Postprocedure CareYou will need reduce activities, especially those that cause strain like lifting. You may need to avoid flying and exposing the ear to water. Follow your doctor's instructions on how to wash your hair once you are at home. Complete recovery takes about 4 weeks. Call Your DoctorIt is important to monitor your recovery. Alert your doctor to any problems. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away. RESOURCES:American Academy of Otolaryngology —Head and Neck Surgery http://www.entnet.org National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) https://www.nidcd.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Society of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery http://www.entcanada.org Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca References:Tympanoplasty. Northwest ENT Associates website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed July 23, 2013. Tympanoplasty. UW Health website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated January 24, 2013. Accessed July 23, 2013. Tympanoplasty/paper patch myringoplasty. Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed July 23, 2013. Tympanoplasty: Repair of ear drum perforations. Ear Institute of Chicago website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed July 23, 2013. Last reviewed May 2018 by Michael Woods, MD Last Updated: 5/23/2014 | |
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