The tympanum is a very thin membrane located between the outer ear and the middle ear. Being very fragile, it can be pierced. Causes of perforation otitis media especially recurrent or mechanical or barometric injuries (scuba diving, explosion ...). Perforation is responsible for earache, otorrhea or otorrhagia. A decrease in hearing is frequently observed.
ENT examination:
By otoscopy, the specialist sees the breach of the eardrum and the flow of pus or blood through. The decrease in hearing is objectified by audiometry. One notes a deafness of transmission proportional to the importance of the perforation. In most cases, the membrane repairs spontaneously after etiological treatment. However, the perforation can be so important that the membrane does not close, at that moment, one must operate.
What is tympanoplasty?
Tympanoplasty is a restorative surgery that aims to repair the tears of the eardrum. It is performed under general anesthesia and lasts 1 to 2 hours.
The surgeon approaches the middle ear to clean it and remove abnormal tissue. Then he reconstructs the tympanum destroyed by autograft. The tissues used are essentially the fascia of the temporal muscle located behind the ear, the envelope of the cartilage of the ear (called perichondrium) or the cartilage itself.
The natural support taken is positioned at the level of the tympanic perforation. By capillarity, the remaining layer buds and closes the perforation. The choice of graft material differs according to the size of the hole and the habits of the surgeon. Sutures are not necessary, but it may be necessary to place a resorbable sponge to support the transplant.
This operation is usually associated with ossiculoplasty, in case of damage to the ossicular chain of the middle ear.
Post surgical care :
A medical examination is necessary after the operation. A dressing in the external ear canal should be left in place and analgesic and antibiotic treatments are prescribed.
The patient should avoid any intense physical exertion for one month and any air travel for two months.
Clinical monitoring is mandatory two months later to verify the complete closure of the eardrum before allowing swimming.
Possible complications of tympanoplasty in Turkey
Pains, tinnitus and vertigo are common immediately postoperatively. Vertigo, deafness and peripheral facial palsy may occur immediately after the operation. These complications are related to immediate damage to the inner ear at the time of the procedure.
Infectious complications are also possible, they manifest as purulent otorrhea or even meningitis.
Postoperative functional results
An audiogram control is necessary. The hearing results are generally favorable and the patient regains normal hearing.
Operation failed
Tympanoplasty failures are rare as long as the ossicular chain and the inner ear are intact.
Price and expenses of the intervention in Turkey
The price of the surgery includes the stay, the anesthesia fees and the surgeon's fees, the price varies according to the clinic. You can request your personalized quote.
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