MYRINGOTOMY

General Information

DEFINITION--Opening the eardrum (tympanic membrane) to remove fluid in the middle ear. This fluid consists of blood, pus, water and debris, and usually collects because of infection or allergy. Frequently small tubes are inserted in the middle ear to maintain drainage.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Eardrum; middle ear; external ear canal (route for surgery).

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• Relief of pain caused by pressure.
• Prevention of temporary or permanent hearing loss.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Smoking.
• Recent illness, especially upper-respiratory infection.
• Chronic illness.
• Previous perforation of the eardrum.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--Ear, nose and throat specialist (otolaryngologist).

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital or outpatient surgical facility.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; hearing tests.
• After surgery: Blood studies; hearing tests.

ANESTHESIA--Local anesthesia by topical application.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• An instrument called an ear speculum is placed in the external ear canal, and the operative microscope is positioned.
• An incision is made around the eardrum, with care taken not to injure the small bones in the middle ear.
• The fluid is drained, and small tubes are usually left in place to continue drainage.
• No sutures are placed in the eardrum. It will heal by itself, if infection is minimal or absent.
• The tubes will prevent premature closure of the eardrum and allow the middle ear to heal. Usually, the tubes can be removed 1 to 3 weeks after surgery.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Hearing loss.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--0 to 1 day.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Hearing should improve noticeably. Allow about 4 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

GENERAL MEASURES

• Keep the ear dry.
• Apply warm compresses or a heating pad to relieve discomfort.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

• Resume driving about 1 week after returning home.

DIET---Liquid diet the first day after surgery, then no special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• You experience new symptoms, such as nausea or vomiting.