The tympanic membrane or ear drum may in some cases be perforated. The eardrum is a thin membrane deep in the ear canal, which separates it from the middle ear. Perforation of the eardrum can be caused due to some injury or acute infection. It usually manifests itself in the context of chronic otitis media, which is a chronic inflammation in the area of ​​the middle ear. In case the rupture fails to heal on its own, tympanoplasty is recommended in order to repair it.

Chronic otitis media: Causes & Symptoms

Chronic otitis media is a condition of inflammatory etiology located in the area of ​​the middle ear, which causes permanent and irreversible damage. An infection or disturbance in the function of the Eustachian tube contribute in many cases to the manifestation of chronic otitis media. The most common forms of the condition are perforation of the eardrum, atelectasis, tympanosclerosis and cholesteatoma. Often, a ruptured eardrum heals on its own or remains without causing any particular problems. However, chronic inflammation of the middle ear can cause adverse symptoms, such as recurrent infections in the ear cavity, while fluid drainage is also observed. In case of an extensive tear, hearing loss may also occur.

Tympanoplasty: Procedure & forms of surgery

Tympanoplasty is a common surgical way to repair the perforation if necessary. This is a safe and effective procedure that is used both for the treatment of chronic otitis media and for the restoration of hearing and middle ear function. It is performed by placing a graft at the site of the rupture in order to restore the tympanic membrane. Tympanoplasty can be performed in different ways, each of which is related to the extent of the damage.

In its simplified form, it is called myringoplasty, in which the rupture is corrected by placing a graft. In case of complex forms of chronic otitis media, the removal of pathological tissue is performed, and then the rupture is repaired with a graft taken from the same area. Tympanoplasty is performed after the patient is put under general anesthesia, and then an incision is made in the back of the ear.

The eardrum is then lifted and the pathological tissue is removed from the middle ear area. A graft is taken from the same incision, which can be either cartilage taken from the outside of the ear, or a connective tissue, called fascia, taken from under the skin behind the ear. The graft is placed either inside or on the lateral part of the tympanic membrane annulus. Then, the eardrum is returned to its original position and the external auditory canal is lined with a special absorbable material.

Tympanoplasty: Postoperative course of patients

Tympanoplasty, in order to be successful in eradicating the disease and repairing the ruptured tympanic membrane, needs to be characterized by thorough preoperative evaluation, good intraoperative hemostasis, and careful surgical planning with careful placement of the graft. At the same time, a key success factor is the correct postoperative course of the patient. After the end of the operation, antibiotics are administered, as well as decongestant solutions for the nose. It is recommended to avoid vigorous activities, sudden movements and nose blowing for the first 2 weeks after the procedure. ENT Surgeon in Athens Dr. Olga Papadopoulou performs this specific operation with attention to detail and after meticulous preoperative planning.