Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at restoring hearing and the integrity of the eardrum and auditory ossicles.
Tympanoplasty is indicated for:
- Perforations of the eardrum
- Disorders of the auditory ossicles (anvils or stirrups)
- Chronic otitis media of the middle ear
- Cholesteatoma of the middle ear (benign neoplasm)
There are several types of tympanoplasty, which are selected depending on the degree of damage.:
- Myringoplasty: repair or replacement of the eardrum.
- Type I organoplasty: restoration of a part of the auditory chain (from the eardrum to the anvil).
- Type II organoplasty: restoration of the auditory chain (from the eardrum to the stirrup).
- Type III organoplasty: restoration of the auditory chain using a prosthetic stirrup.
- Type IV organoplasty: a more extensive procedure involving the restoration of the external auditory canal.
Tympanoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia. It includes:
- Opening of the middle ear through an incision behind the ear or through the ear canal.
- Removal of damaged tissue or pathologies.
- Restoration of the integrity of the eardrum and auditory ossicles using materials such as tissue, cartilage or artificial implants.
- Closing the incision or installing a tympanostomy tube for drainage.
Recovery from tympanoplasty usually takes several weeks. Patients may experience some discomfort or pain in the ear. Painkillers may be prescribed. It is important to avoid getting your ear wet and to adhere to restrictions in activities according to the doctor's instructions.
Hearing improvement after tympanoplasty varies depending on the severity of the initial condition. In most cases, it is possible to restore a significant amount of hearing.
As with any surgical procedure, tympanoplasty involves certain risks, such as:
- Infection
- Damage to the internal structures of the ear
- Recurrence of perforation
- Taste change
- Dizziness
