Definition:
Tympanoplasty is a microsurgical procedure on the eardrum and middle ear bones to restore the middle ear hearing mechanism.

Types of tympanoplasty include:

Myringoplasty – Repair of a tear in the eardrum
Tympanoplasty with ossiculoplasty – Simultaneous repair of a tear in the eardrum and correction of a defect in the bones (ossicles) of the middle ear
Tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy – Simultaneous repair of a tear in the eardrum and eradication of bony infection in the area behind the ear

Reasons for Procedure:
Tympanoplasty is usually done to repair a tear in the eardrum.

The procedure can also help to:

Restore hearing and treat certain types of deafness
Prevent infection of the middle ear

Risk Factors for Complications during the Procedure:

• Large tears
• Chronic middle ear disease that may require mastoidectomy to be performed at the same time

Before surgery, your doctor will check to be sure that you do not have an ear infection.

During Procedure – Anesthesia (usually local)

Description of the Procedure: A small incision is made behind the ear to obtain tissue from the temporalis muscle fascia. This tissue is grafted to the eardrum to cover the hole. Other materials may be added to hold the graft in place. If the bones of the middle ear need to be repaired, this is done as well.

A small pack may be left in position in the ear canal, and removed a few days after surgery. Stitches will be left in the ear for a week, and then removed.

Left: a typical incision outline for a tympanoplasty
photo from www.pedsent.com

How Long Will It Take? 1-2 hours (sometimes longer if mastoidectomy or ossicular reconstruction needs to be done)

Will It Hurt? Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure.

Possible Complications:

The risks associated with tympanoplasty are fairly rare, and include:

Infection develops and spreads to inner ear, causing hearing loss and dizziness
Infection develops and spreads beyond the ear causing serious symptoms (rare)
Damage to structures in or near the middle ear: i.e., nerves, (loss or distortion of taste, paralysis of the face), middle ear bones (loss of hearing that may require further surgery)

Average Hospital Stay – Tympanoplasty is usually done on an outpatient basis. However, if your surgery includes bone repair (ossiculoplasty), you may stay overnight in the hospital.

Postoperative Care: To insure proper healing, avoid the following:

• Blowing your nose hard
• Sneezing
• Exposing your ear to water. Ask your doctor how to wash your hair and shower for the first few weeks after surgery.

Outcome: It will take several weeks after surgery to determine if the tympanoplasty was a success. Complete recovery takes about 4 weeks.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs:
Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge at the incision site
Increasing fluid draining from the ear
Odor from fluid draining from the ear
Signs of infection, including fever and chills

SOURCE:

American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Inc.