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Alternative names Return to top
TympanoplastyDefinition Return to top
Eardrum repair is a procedure to correct a tear in the eardrum (tympanic membrane) or the small bones in the middle ear.
Ruptured or perforated eardrums are usually caused by middle ear infections or trauma, such as an object in the ear, a slap on the ear, or an explosion.
Description Return to top
Using general anesthesia, an ear/nose/throat (ENT) specialist grafts a small patch from a vein or fascia (muscly sheath) onto the eardrum to repair the tear.
For problems with the small bones (ossicles), the surgeon will use an operating microscope to view and repair this chain of small bones using plastic devices or ossicles from a donor.
Indications Return to top
If antibiotics or other nonoperative treatment do not heal chronic ear infections, surgical eardrum repair may be necessary.
Chronic middle ear infections are described as:
Signs of chronic ear infections include persistent ear pain, ear drainage, or hearing loss (over a 3-month period).
Risks Return to top
Risks for any anesthesia are:
Risks for any surgery are:
Additional risks include:
Expectations after surgery Return to top
In most cases, the operation relieves pain and infection symptoms completely. Hearing loss is minor. The operation can have a less optimistic outcome if the bones in the middle ear need reconstruction along with the eardrum.Convalescence Return to top
Patients usually leave the hospital the same day as the surgery. It is important to avoid water in the ear. Your health care provider may recommend the use of a hair cap when showering for a few weeks after the procedure. Update Date: 2/5/2003 Updated by: Edward Chang, MD, DDS, Facial Reconstructive Surgical and Medical Center, Palo Alto California. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |