Our Summary

The use of cartilage in ear surgery has grown rapidly since Heermann first used it to repair large holes in the eardrum. Cartilage is easy to work with, stable, flexible, has a low metabolic rate, is easy to keep alive, and can be shaped easily, making it very useful for various types of ear surgeries. This includes repairing the eardrum, rebuilding the small bones that carry sound in the ear, and reconstructing the walls of the upper ear drum and outer ear canal. This paper looks at how cartilage is used in these surgeries and discusses the possibility of placing cartilage on the stapes (the stirrup-shaped bone in the ear) for rebuilding the sound-carrying bones in a specific type of eardrum repair surgery.

FAQs

  1. What are the advantages of using cartilage in tympanoplasty?
  2. What is the role of cartilage in ossicular chain reconstruction and tympanic cavity reconstruction?
  3. Can cartilage be placed on the stapes head for reconstruction of the auditory chain in type Ⅱ tympanoplasty?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tympanoplasty is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and success of the surgery. This may include avoiding activities that could put pressure on the ear, keeping the ear dry, and attending follow-up appointments as recommended. It is also important to report any unusual symptoms or concerns to the doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for tympanoplasty include those with chronic ear infections, perforations of the tympanic membrane, hearing loss, and other middle ear issues that have not responded to conservative treatment. Cartilage grafts are often used in tympanoplasty procedures to repair large perforations or to reconstruct the ossicular chain.

Timeline

Before tympanoplasty, a patient may experience symptoms such as hearing loss, ear pain, ear infections, and drainage from the ear. They may also undergo a physical examination, hearing tests, and imaging studies to determine the extent of the damage to the tympanic membrane.

During tympanoplasty, the surgeon will make an incision behind the ear and carefully lift the ear canal skin to access the middle ear. The perforation in the tympanic membrane will be repaired using a graft of cartilage, typically taken from the patient’s own body. The surgeon may also reconstruct the ossicular chain if necessary.

After tympanoplasty, the patient will be monitored for any signs of infection or complications. They may experience temporary hearing loss or discomfort in the ear. It is important for the patient to follow post-operative instructions, such as keeping the ear dry and avoiding activities that could put pressure on the ear.

Overall, tympanoplasty can help improve hearing and reduce the risk of recurrent ear infections in patients with tympanic membrane perforations. It is a safe and effective procedure with a high success rate when performed by a skilled surgeon.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with tympanoplasty surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during the post-operative period?
  3. Will I experience any pain or discomfort after the surgery and how will it be managed?
  4. What are the success rates of tympanoplasty and what are the chances of the perforation recurring?
  5. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments after the surgery?
  6. Are there any restrictions or precautions I should take during the recovery period?
  7. How will the use of cartilage in the surgery affect the outcome and long-term results?
  8. What are the alternative treatment options available for my condition and how do they compare to tympanoplasty?
  9. Can you provide me with information about your experience and success rate with tympanoplasty surgeries?
  10. What are the expected benefits and improvements in my hearing after undergoing tympanoplasty surgery?

Reference

Authors: Zhao X, Chen R. Journal: Lin Chuang Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2023 Feb;37(2):157-160. doi: 10.13201/j.issn.2096-7993.2023.02.017. PMID: 36756835