What is a Tympanic membrane?
It is also called eardrum, a thin layer in the ear canal that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. It helps in the hearing by transmitting the sound from the outer ear to middle ear. It also helps in protecting the middle ear from the external environment.
What is Tympanic membrane perforation:
It is an opening in the eardrum which can affect the hearing or leads to recurrent ear infections (discharge).
What is Tympanoplasty:
A procedure to close/repair the tympanic membrane perforation.
Why does my doctor recommend Tympanoplasty?
Your doctor will discuss it in detail in the clinic and may offer the procedure in case of recurrent ear infection and/or reduced hearing.
How is Tympanoplasty procedure done?
It is done under general or local anaesthesia through the ear canal, or externally through a small cut behind the ear. The procedure takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. The patient is discharged home either on the same or next day.
What is a Mastoid?
It is an air-filled cavity in the skull behind the ear and is connected with the middle ear.
What is Mastoidectomy?
A procedure to clean the mastoid in case of infection. This procedure can be done in combination with tympanoplasty.
Why does my doctor recommend Mastoidectomy?
Your doctor will discuss it with you in detail in the clinic and may offer the procedure in case of acute mastoid infection, recurrent infection or reduced hearing.
How is Mastoidectomy procedure done?
It is done under general anaesthesia through an external cut behind the ear. The procedure takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. The patient is discharged home either on the same or next day.
Possible Complications:
Bleeding, Pain, Infection, Failure of the procedure (10-15%), Dizziness, Facial weakness (less than 1%), Hearing deterioration, Taste disturbance, Revision operation
What to expect after your surgery?
- Eat and drink regularly
- You may have a bandage around your head and ear, which the doctor may remove after 24-48 hours
- You might feel minimal dizziness in the first 24-48hours
- You will have a pack inside your ear, which is normally removed in clinic 3 weeks after the surgery
- You may notice fullness and fluid sensation in the ear
- The hearing will be difficult in the operated ear, till the pack removed by your surgeon
- A written card with your appointments will be given before you go home.
Home Advice:
- Avoid water going to the operated ear (block the operated ear with a cotton piece soaked in oil or Vaseline)
- Avoid direct trauma to the operated ear
- When sneezing or coughing, keep the mouth open
- Avoid any exposure to allergens/strong smells or dust etc (that may cause you to sneeze)
- Avoid lifting heavy weights and heavy exercise for a duration of at least 6 weeks
- Avoid straining (in case of recurrent sneezing, cough or constipation, visit your primary health centre for medication)
- Avoid air travel for at least 6-8 weeks from date of surgery
- You can drive normally unless you feel dizzy and unsteady
- Take medications as directed
When to visit Emergency: (Hamad General Hospital)
- Active bleeding from the operation site
- Severe dizziness
- Facial asymmetry
- Swelling at the site of surgery
- Ear pack dislodgement
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