Tympanoplasty

Tympanoplasty is actually a surgical procedure for repairing a perforated eardrum (tympanic membrane), in which the holes created on the membrane are repaired. Typically, trauma or severe infections lead to the rupture of the eardrum or the formation of holes in it, which results in complications such as hearing loss. Therefore, if there is an issue with the ear, it is important to consult an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist.

In the following, various tympanoplasty surgical methods, possible complications, and necessary post-operative care are discussed.

Types of Tympanoplasty Surgical Methods

Tympanoplasty (Tympanoplasty) is performed in different ways, and the doctor will choose one of the following methods based on the patient’s condition and the extent of the rupture:

Patch Tympanoplasty
In this surgical method, the specialist uses a biological tissue paper to repair the holes created in the tympanic membrane.

Internal Tympanoplasty
In this method, the patient needs to be under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. During this procedure, the surgeon places a graft tissue underneath the eardrum. Typically, this procedure can be performed in three different ways: endoscopic, microscopic, and incision behind the ear.

Fat Tympanoplasty
Fat Tympanoplasty is another method used to repair the ear membrane, which is usually performed with local anesthesia in the doctor’s office. In this surgical method, the surgeon uses fat to repair the hole or rupture in the eardrum.

Tympanoplasty with Incision Behind the Ear
When the rupture is severe or other methods are not effective, the surgeon uses this method to repair the tympanic membrane. As the name suggests, an incision is made behind the ear to allow access to the tympanic membrane. For this procedure, the patient must undergo general anesthesia, and the surgery must be performed in an operating room.

Mastoidectomy Tympanoplasty
Mastoiditis, which occurs due to severe infection in the bone, is one of the ear diseases that, if not treated in time, can lead to irreversible damage. Mastoidectomy Tympanoplasty is another method for repairing the tympanic membrane and treating ear infections. In this method, the mastoid bone, located behind the ear, is scraped to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the ear.

Complications of Tympanoplasty Surgery

Each surgical and therapeutic method comes with its own set of potential complications. However, if the treating physician has sufficient skill and experience, the risks of tympanoplasty surgery can be minimized. Generally, the complications of eardrum repair surgery are as follows:

• Pain in the ear area
• Infection
• Paralysis of the seventh nerve
• Bleeding
• Failure of the hole to heal
• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Temporary dizziness
• Temporary changes in taste (since the taste nerve passes through the ear canal)

Necessary Post-Operative Care After Eardrum Surgery

Post-operative care plays an important role in the patient’s recovery, so it is essential for patients who have undergone tympanoplasty to follow these guidelines:

• Heavy physical activities and vigorous sports should be avoided for 10 days after surgery.
• For the first week after surgery, the patient should sleep in a semi-sitting position. It is recommended to place three pillows under the head.
• Showering is generally prohibited for the first week after surgery, as water entering the ear or surgical site may cause an infection.
• The patient should avoid forceful nose blowing during the recovery period.
• The patient should refrain from bending the head for a week as it may cause dizziness.
• The prescribed medications should be taken exactly as directed by the doctor throughout the entire course of treatment.

Final Words

Tympanoplasty is a therapeutic procedure for repairing a perforated eardrum. This surgery is performed using different methods, and we have discussed these methods, along with their potential complications and necessary post-operative care, in this article.

If you seek the help of inexperienced surgeons, the results of your surgery will likely not be as expected. Therefore, it is important to invest time and effort in finding a qualified surgeon. One of the expert surgeons is Dr. Rahmati, a specialist in ear, nose, and throat surgery and head and neck surgery, who provides the best quality rhinoplasty surgery.

We also recommend reading the article on preservation rhinoplasty surgery.