Tympanoplasty
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
What do I need to know about a tympanoplasty?
Tympanoplasty is surgery to fix a torn eardrum. Your eardrum is a tissue found in the middle part of your ear. Your eardrum divides your outer ear canal from your inner ear.
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How should I prepare for my tympanoplasty?
- Your surgeon will tell you how to prepare for your surgery. Tell him or her about all medicines you currently take. He or she will tell you if you need to stop using any medicine before surgery, and when to stop. He or she will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of surgery.
- Arrange to have someone drive you home after surgery.
- You may need blood tests or x-rays before your surgery. You may also need hearing tests.
- Your surgeon may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery.
What will happen during my tympanoplasty?
- Your surgeon will make an incision behind your ear or inside your ear canal. Any infection, damage, or disease inside your ear will be cleaned out. The edges of your torn eardrum will be trimmed, or your entire eardrum may be removed.
- A graft will be used to close your torn eardrum or to replace your eardrum. A tissue graft may be taken from another part of your body. Antibiotic foam may also be placed in your ear canal to help prevent infection. Your incision will be closed with stitches.
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What are the risks of a tympanoplasty?
You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. Nerves that control your face muscles or sense of taste may be damaged. The small bones in your ear may be damaged. You may become dizzy. The tear in your eardrum may not heal completely. You may develop bands of scar tissue in your inner ear or narrowing of your ear canal. You may have hearing loss. Your eardrum may swell or you may have drainage. Your graft may fail or you may develop another tear in your eardrum.
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Further information
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