Our Summary

This research paper is looking at two different surgical methods for treating eardrum perforations in children: butterfly tympanoplasty (BT) and underlay tympanoplasty (UT). The study examined the success rate of closing the eardrum perforations, the decrease in the gap between air and bone conduction hearing levels, and the length of the surgery.

The results showed that BT and UT were just about equally successful at closing the eardrum perforations and reducing the hearing gap. However, the BT surgery was significantly quicker.

So, the researchers concluded that BT is a dependable method for children’s ear, nose, and throat specialists to use. It gets similar results to the UT method but takes less time.

FAQs

  1. What are the two surgical methods for treating eardrum perforations in children discussed in this research paper?
  2. How do the success rates of butterfly tympanoplasty and underlay tympanoplasty compare?
  3. Which surgical method for treating eardrum perforations took less time according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tympanoplasty is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including avoiding any activities that could put pressure on the ear and attending all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for tympanoplasty are those with chronic eardrum perforations that have not healed on their own, resulting in hearing loss, recurrent ear infections, or other complications. Tympanoplasty may also be recommended for patients with traumatic eardrum perforations or those with other underlying ear conditions that require surgical intervention. In the case of children, tympanoplasty may be recommended if conservative treatments have not been successful in closing the perforation and restoring hearing.

Timeline

Before tympanoplasty:

  1. Patient may experience symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss, and drainage from the ear.
  2. Patient undergoes a physical examination and hearing tests to determine the extent of the eardrum perforation.
  3. Patient may undergo imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI to further evaluate the condition of the ear.
  4. Patient discusses treatment options with their ear, nose, and throat specialist, including the possibility of tympanoplasty.

After tympanoplasty:

  1. Patient undergoes pre-operative preparations such as fasting and anesthesia administration.
  2. Tympanoplasty surgery is performed, either using the butterfly tympanoplasty or underlay tympanoplasty method.
  3. Patient is monitored in the recovery room following surgery.
  4. Patient may experience temporary hearing loss, ear pain, and drainage from the ear in the immediate post-operative period.
  5. Patient follows post-operative care instructions, including taking prescribed medications and avoiding activities that could disrupt the healing process.
  6. Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor healing and assess the success of the surgery, including closure of the eardrum perforation and improvement in hearing levels.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about tympanoplasty include:

  1. What is the success rate of tympanoplasty in general, and specifically for the type of surgery being recommended (e.g. butterfly tympanoplasty or underlay tympanoplasty)?
  2. How will the surgery improve my hearing and overall ear health?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with tympanoplasty?
  4. How long will the recovery process take, and what can I expect during the healing period?
  5. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I should follow after the surgery?
  6. What is the experience of the surgeon performing the tympanoplasty procedure?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered for my condition?
  8. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional procedures after the tympanoplasty?
  9. What is the cost of the surgery, and will it be covered by insurance?
  10. Are there any specific instructions or preparations I should follow before the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Ference RS, Leonard JA, Weinstock MS, Bent JP. Journal: Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2019 Dec;127:109684. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2019.109684. Epub 2019 Sep 15. PMID: 31557615