Our Summary

Tympanoplasty is a surgery used to fix a damaged eardrum and improve hearing. This study looked at how successful the surgery was when using a piece of cartilage from the tragus (part of the ear) to patch up the eardrum. The researchers reviewed past surgeries at a hospital and found 83 cases where this method was used. They discovered that in 76% of these surgeries, the eardrum was completely fixed and there was a significant improvement in hearing. In the other cases, there was still a small hole left in the eardrum. Comparing the patients’ hearing before and after the surgery, the researchers noted that there was a clear improvement in most of the cases. This shows that this type of surgery can be beneficial for people with a damaged eardrum.

FAQs

  1. What is tympanoplasty and what is its purpose?
  2. How successful has tympanoplasty been when using a piece of cartilage from the tragus to repair the eardrum?
  3. What were the outcomes of the surgeries that did not result in a completely fixed eardrum?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient undergoing tympanoplasty to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the ear dry and avoiding activities that could put pressure on the ear. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure the best possible outcome. Additionally, the doctor may recommend avoiding loud noises or wearing ear protection to prevent further damage to the repaired eardrum.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for tympanoplasty include those with:

  1. Chronic ear infections that have caused damage to the eardrum
  2. Perforated eardrums that have not healed on their own
  3. Conductive hearing loss due to eardrum damage
  4. Eardrum perforations caused by trauma or injury
  5. Eustachian tube dysfunction leading to negative pressure in the middle ear
  6. Chronic middle ear infections resulting in cholesteatoma (a growth in the middle ear)

Overall, patients who have persistent ear issues that have not resolved with conservative treatments may be good candidates for tympanoplasty. It is important for patients to consult with an ear, nose, and throat specialist to determine if they are a suitable candidate for this surgery.

Timeline

Before tympanoplasty:

  1. Consultation with an ENT specialist to assess the condition of the eardrum and hearing loss.
  2. Pre-operative tests such as hearing tests and imaging studies to determine the extent of the damage.
  3. Discussion with the surgeon about the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes.
  4. Pre-operative instructions such as fasting before surgery and avoiding certain medications.

After tympanoplasty:

  1. Recovery period in the hospital or outpatient setting, typically lasting a few hours to a day.
  2. Post-operative care instructions such as keeping the ear dry and avoiding strenuous activities.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and hearing improvement.
  4. Gradual return to normal activities, with full recovery taking several weeks to months.
  5. Follow-up hearing tests to assess the success of the surgery in improving hearing.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with tympanoplasty surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of tympanoplasty using a piece of cartilage from the tragus?
  3. How long is the recovery period after tympanoplasty surgery?
  4. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  5. What are the potential long-term effects of tympanoplasty surgery?
  6. How soon after the surgery can I expect to see an improvement in my hearing?
  7. Are there any restrictions on activities or behaviors following tympanoplasty surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options for my condition other than tympanoplasty?
  9. How many tympanoplasty surgeries have you performed using a piece of cartilage from the tragus?
  10. What is the overall prognosis for my hearing and ear health following tympanoplasty surgery?

Reference

Authors: Pontes-Madruga TC, Nogueira Neto FB, Suzuki FAB, Testa JRG, Onishi ET. Journal: Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2021 Jul-Aug;87(4):434-439. doi: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2019.10.002. Epub 2019 Nov 16. PMID: 31874832