Our Summary

This research paper looks at factors that might affect the results of a type of ear surgery called a Felix tympanoplasty. The researchers tried to eliminate as many variables as possible by only examining surgeries performed by one surgeon using the same technique. They looked at 39 patients who had this surgery between 2001 and 2011.

The researchers compared the patients’ hearing ability before and after the surgery, looking at various factors like age, sex, where they lived, whether they smoked or drank alcohol, and their history of ear infections and other ear problems.

They found that patients with a history of frequent ear discharge and those with larger ear drum perforations saw greater improvements in their hearing after surgery. However, those with a condition called tympanosclerosis (a hardening of the tissues in the ear) experienced less improvement.

In other words, if you have frequent ear discharge or a large hole in your ear drum, this type of surgery might improve your hearing more. But if you have hardened tissues in your ear, the surgery might not be as effective.

FAQs

  1. What is Felix tympanoplasty and what factors might affect its results?
  2. How does a history of frequent ear discharge or larger ear drum perforations impact the results of a Felix tympanoplasty?
  3. Can Felix tympanoplasty be less effective for patients with a condition called tympanosclerosis?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tympanoplasty is to discuss their medical history with their surgeon before the surgery. This information can help the surgeon determine if the patient is a good candidate for the procedure and what level of improvement they can expect in their hearing. It is important for patients to be open and honest about their medical history to ensure the best possible outcome from the surgery.

Suitable For

Overall, patients who are typically recommended for tympanoplasty are those who have chronic ear infections, perforations in the ear drum, or other ear problems that are affecting their hearing. Patients with frequent ear discharge or larger perforations may see greater improvements in their hearing after surgery, while those with tympanosclerosis may not see as much improvement. It is important for patients to consult with their healthcare provider to determine if tympanoplasty is the right treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before tympanoplasty:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as hearing loss, ear discharge, ear pain, and recurring ear infections.
  • Patient undergoes a hearing test and otoscopic examination to determine the extent of damage to the ear drum.
  • Patient consults with an ENT specialist who recommends tympanoplasty as a treatment option.

During tympanoplasty:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to repair the perforated ear drum using tissue from the patient’s own body or a synthetic material.
  • Surgery typically lasts 1-2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia.
  • Patient may experience temporary pain and discomfort following the surgery.

After tympanoplasty:

  • Patient is monitored closely for any signs of infection or complications.
  • Patient may experience temporary hearing loss or discomfort in the ear as the ear drum heals.
  • Patient follows post-operative care instructions, which may include avoiding water in the ear, taking prescribed medications, and attending follow-up appointments.
  • Patient undergoes a hearing test to assess the success of the surgery and any improvements in hearing ability.
  • Patient may experience improved hearing, reduced ear discharge, and decreased risk of future ear infections.

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?
  2. How long is the recovery period after tympanoplasty and what can I expect during this time?
  3. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions or restrictions?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  5. How successful is tympanoplasty in improving hearing and what are the factors that may affect the outcome?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options for my condition that I should consider?
  7. How many tympanoplasty surgeries have you performed and what is your success rate?
  8. Will I need to undergo any additional tests or evaluations before the surgery?
  9. What is the expected timeline for scheduling and undergoing the surgery?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or habits that I should modify before or after the surgery to optimize the results?

Reference

Authors: Castelli ML, Evangelista A. Journal: B-ENT. 2017;13(1 Suppl 27):23-30. PMID: 29557559