Our Summary

This research paper speaks about a modified medical procedure for repairing the eardrum. The traditional methods are limited by factors such as the size of the ear canal and the visibility of certain parts of the eardrum. The new technique makes a unique incision that extends from the upper part of the ear canal into a hollow area of the ear (conchal cavum), allowing a flap of skin to be lifted and provide a better view of the eardrum. This also enables the collection of tissue (perichondrium) for grafting from this hollow area.

The researchers reviewed medical records of patients who had this technique performed between 2010 and 2012, noting details such as the size and location of the eardrum tear, whether it was a first-time or repeat surgery, success rate of the graft, changes in hearing, and any inflammation of the cartilage or its covering (chondritis/perichondritis). They also had patients who underwent the procedure in the first 8 months of 2013 fill out a questionnaire about their post-surgery pain and satisfaction with the look of the surgical site.

The results showed that the graft was successful in all cases, regardless of the size and location of the eardrum tear or whether it was a first-time or repeat surgery. There was a significant improvement in hearing after the surgery. Patients reported minimal pain after the surgery and were very satisfied with the look of the surgical site. There were no cases of inflammation of the cartilage or its covering.

In conclusion, while the choice of surgical method is up to the surgeon, this modified technique provides a great alternative to the traditional methods. The research trial number for further reference is NCT02000843 at ClinicalTrials.gov.

FAQs

  1. What is the modified technique for repairing the eardrum described in this research paper?
  2. What were the results of the study reviewing patients who had this technique performed between 2010 and 2012?
  3. How did patients who underwent this modified procedure between January and August 2013 rate their post-surgery pain and satisfaction with the look of the surgical site?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tympanoplasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and successful outcomes. This may include keeping the ear dry, avoiding activities that could put pressure on the ear, taking prescribed medications as directed, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon. By following these instructions, patients can help optimize their recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended tympanoplasty are those with a perforated eardrum (tympanic membrane) that is causing hearing loss or recurrent infections. This may be due to a variety of reasons such as trauma, infection, or previous surgeries. The modified technique discussed in the research paper may be especially beneficial for patients with larger or more difficult to access eardrum tears, as it provides better visibility and access to the eardrum for repair.

Timeline

Before tympanoplasty:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss, and recurrent ear infections.
  • Patient undergoes a thorough evaluation by an ENT specialist, including a physical examination and hearing tests.
  • ENT specialist may recommend tympanoplasty as a treatment option for repairing a perforated eardrum.

After tympanoplasty:

  • Patient undergoes the modified tympanoplasty procedure, which involves making a unique incision in the ear canal and using tissue from the conchal cavum for grafting.
  • The graft is successful in all cases, regardless of the size and location of the eardrum tear or whether it is a first-time or repeat surgery.
  • There is a significant improvement in hearing after the surgery.
  • Patients report minimal post-surgery pain and are very satisfied with the appearance of the surgical site.
  • There are no cases of inflammation of the cartilage or its covering post-surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What is the reason for recommending tympanoplasty in my case?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with this procedure?
  3. How long will the recovery process take, and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
  4. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative instructions or precautions?
  5. What is the success rate of tympanoplasty in general, and what is the success rate for my specific situation?
  6. Will there be any impact on my hearing after the surgery, and if so, what can I expect?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of tympanoplasty?
  8. How experienced are you in performing tympanoplasty, and how many of these procedures have you done?
  9. What is the expected outcome in terms of restoring my eardrum function and preventing future issues?
  10. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or adjustments I should make before or after the surgery to optimize the results?

Reference

Authors: Man SC, Nunez DA. Journal: J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 Jan 6;45:1. doi: 10.1186/s40463-015-0113-3. PMID: 26739478