Tympanoplasty
Tympanoplasty is a type of ear surgery done to patch up the hole in the eardrum. The eardrum, or tympanic membrane, is a thin tissue that divides the middle and outer ear canal. The eardrum allows you to hear as it vibrates when the sound waves enter the ear
However, if the eardrum is damaged or has a hole in it, it may result in a ruptured eardrum. This can lead to hearing loss. The hole in the eardrum could be congenital or may be caused due to an injury or trauma. Other causes for ruptured eardrums include ear infections, pressure changes, acoustic trauma, and more.
Tympanoplasty surgery is done to reconstruct the hole in the eardrum. The surgery is usually done under general anaesthesia. A tissue graft is taken from the patient, usually behind the ear, and the surgery usually takes around two hours.
Tympanoplasty is sometimes performed together with other procedures to correct related problems in the middle ear
These procedures include:
- Ossiculoplasty (reconstruction of the ossicles, which are the tiny bones in the middle ear) to fix the connections among the ossicles, which are attached to the eardrum and help amplify sound. The three ossicles are named malleus, incus and stapes.
- Mastoidectomy removes diseased cells from the mastoid bone in the skull, behind the ear. Tympanomastoidectomy is used for patients with chronic middle ear infections that cause inflammation of the mastoid (mastoiditis), or to remove cholesteatomas (skin growths).
During Tympanoplasty Procedure
The tympanoplasty procedure involves several key steps:
- Anaesthesia induction, usually general anaesthesia
- Depending on the chosen approach, the surgeon either enters through your ear canal or makes an incision behind or in front of your ear.
- The surgeon locates the hole in your eardrum using a microscope or endoscope for precision. Next, they obtain tissue to create a graft—typically a small tissue from the temporalis fascia near the temple or sometimes cartilage from the tragus (the bump in front of your ear).
- The surgeon then lifts your eardrum to place the graft material underneath it and positions foam over it to hold the graft in place while healing. Over time, the eardrum grows new tissue, using the graft as a foundation.
The whole procedure typically takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the repairs’ complexity.
Tympanoplasty Surgery – FAQ by Dr. Jayanta Kumar Nath (ENT Surgeon
Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure to repair a hole or perforation in the eardrum (tympanic membrane). It helps improve hearing and prevents repeated ear infections.
Dr. Nath may recommend tympanoplasty if you have:
1.A perforated eardrum that does not heal on its own
2.Recurrent ear discharge (chronic suppurative otitis media)d mouth breathing
3.Hearing loss due to eardrum damage
4.History of ear trauma or infection leading to perforation
1.A perforated eardrum that does not heal on its own
2.Recurrent ear discharge (chronic suppurative otitis media)d mouth breathing
3.Hearing loss due to eardrum damage
4.History of ear trauma or infection leading to perforation
The surgery is done under general or local anesthesia. Dr. Nath repairs the eardrum using a graft (usually tissue taken from around the ear). The approach can be through the ear canal or behind the ear, depending on the case.
The surgery itself is painless since anesthesia is given. After surgery, mild discomfort or ear fullness may be felt for a few days, which can be managed with prescribed medicines.
Most patients can go home the same day or next day.
1. Full healing of the eardrum takes about 6–8 weeks.
2.Improvement in hearing is usually noticed after complete healing.
1. Full healing of the eardrum takes about 6–8 weeks.
2.Improvement in hearing is usually noticed after complete healing.
1. Keep the ear dry (avoid swimming or water entry).
2. Do not blow your nose forcefully.
Take medicines as prescribed by Dr. Nath.
2. Do not blow your nose forcefully.
Take medicines as prescribed by Dr. Nath.
Risks are rare but may include:
1.Failure of the graft to heal properly
2. Temporary dizziness
3.Nasal voice changes (usually temporary)
4. Infection
Dr. Nath uses advanced microsurgical techniques to minimize risks and ensure the best outcomes.
1.Failure of the graft to heal properly
2. Temporary dizziness
3.Nasal voice changes (usually temporary)
4. Infection
Dr. Nath uses advanced microsurgical techniques to minimize risks and ensure the best outcomes.
Closing of the eardrum perforation
Reduction in ear discharge and infections
Significant improvement in hearing
Better ear protection from water and cold air
Reduction in ear discharge and infections
Significant improvement in hearing
Better ear protection from water and cold air
Yes. If needed, Dr. Nath may combine tympanoplasty with ossiculoplasty (repair of middle ear bones) or mastoidectomy (if infection has spread to mastoid bone).