About Tympanoplasty Surgery

Tympanoplasty surgery is a procedure designed to repair a ruptured eardrum (tympanic membrane). It aims to restore the integrity of the eardrum and, in some cases, repair the small bones in the middle ear that connect to the eardrum. The procedure may be performed using different approaches, such as endaural, transcanal, or postauricular tympanoplasty, depending on how the surgeon accesses the middle ear. Tympanoplasty is highly effective, with a success rate of approximately 93%. However, complications may occur, including nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, hearing loss, or other side effects.

Procedure of Tympanoplasty Surgery

The tympanoplasty procedure generally follows these steps:

1. Surgical Access: The surgeon enters the ear either through the ear canal or by making an incision behind or in front of the ear, depending on the technique used.

2. Identifying the Hole: A microscope or endoscope is used to locate the perforation in the eardrum.

3. Trimming and Grafting: The edges of the hole are trimmed, and a graft is placed over it. This graft may be made from tissue taken from the patient or a synthetic material.

4. Securing the Graft: The graft is held in place with spongy packing material, which dissolves as the eardrum heals and the tissue grows back together.

5. Recovery: The ear’s delicate inner structures take time to heal. While symptoms like pain, fever, and discharge usually subside within a week, hearing improvement may take two to three months as the eardrum repairs itself.

The success of the surgery can depend on several factors, including the condition of the eardrum, any presence of infection, other underlying ear conditions, and whether prior ear surgeries were performed.