What are the steps involved in performing a tympanic membrane perforation surgery?

Sep 04, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

In two days, I need to undergo a tympanic membrane perforation surgery. It sounds quite intimidating, so I would like to learn more about the surgical procedure in advance.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lu Cheng

Myringoplasty, a surgical procedure for repairing a perforated eardrum, is a commonly used method. The surgery mainly involves the following steps:

1. Anesthesia: Select an appropriate type of anesthesia based on the patient's condition, including local or general anesthesia, to ensure pain-free surgery.

2. Clean the external auditory canal: Use normal saline and a suction device to remove secretions and foreign materials from the ear canal, providing a clear surgical field.

3. Incision: Make an incision inside the ear canal to expose the perforation. For larger perforations, an incision may be made behind the ear to allow better access to the eardrum.

4. Tissue grafting: Cover the perforation with a tissue graft taken from the patient's own body, such as skin behind the ear, temporalis fascia, or other biocompatible materials. The surgical technique and graft material are selected according to the size, location of the perforation, and the width of the external ear canal.

5. Suturing: Secure the graft onto the edges of the perforation using absorbable sutures to ensure stability and promote healing.

6. Dressing: Apply appropriate dressing to the external auditory canal after surgery to prevent infection.

After surgery, patients should keep the ear clean and dry and avoid getting the ear wet. The ear dressing and packing strips are removed after two weeks, followed by continued local treatment. Full recovery usually takes about two months. It is recommended to visit a reputable hospital and undergo the procedure under the guidance of a qualified physician.