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Eardrum repair
Definition:
An operation to repair 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 (e.g., an object in the ear, a slap on the ear, explosions, etc.).

Alternative Names:
Tympanoplasty

Description:
Under general anesthesia, an ear-nose-throat specialist grafts a small patch from a vein or fascia 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 the chain of small bones using plastic devices or ossicles from a donor.
Indications:

If healing does not occur with antibiotics or other non-operative treatment, a tympanoplasty may be indicated.

Chronic middle ear infections are described as:

  • 7 or more ear infections in a year
  • 5 or more ear infections a year over a two-year period

Signs of chronic ear infections include persistent ear pain, ear drainage, or hearing loss (over a 3-month period).
Risks:

Risks for any anesthesia are:

Risks for any surgery are:

Additional risks include:

  • Incomplete healing of the hole in the eardrum
  • Damage to the small bones in the middle ear, causing hearing loss
  • Need for further surgery
Expectations after surgery:
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 ear drum.
Convalescence:
Patients usually leave the hospital the same day. It is important to avoid water in the ear. Use a hair cap when showering for a few weeks.
Review Date: 8/21/2001
Reviewed By: Ashutosh Kacker, M.D., Department of Otolaryngology, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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