Our Summary

This paper discusses a unique case study of a 55-year-old woman who underwent endoscopic ear surgery, a method that has been proven to be safe and effective for middle ear surgeries. However, the woman developed an extremely rare complication called auricular suppurative perichondritis, which is an infection of the cartilage of the ear, after the surgery. This is a unique case as there have been no previous reports of this complication occurring after endoscopic ear surgery. The patient was successfully treated through surgical cleaning of the infection and postoperative care. After two months, there was no sign of the infection returning and after six months, no deformity or narrowing of the external ear canal was observed.

FAQs

  1. What is an endoscopic ear surgery and is it generally safe?
  2. What is auricular suppurative perichondritis and how rare is this complication after an endoscopic ear surgery?
  3. How was the infection treated and what was the condition of the patient’s ear after the treatment?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tympanoplasty is to follow all postoperative care instructions carefully to help prevent complications and ensure proper healing. This may include keeping the ear dry, avoiding activities that could put pressure on the ear, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. Additionally, the patient should report any unusual symptoms or signs of infection to their doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Tympanoplasty is typically recommended for patients who have a perforated eardrum, chronic ear infections, or hearing loss due to damage to the middle ear structures. It is also recommended for patients who have experienced trauma to the ear or have a history of recurrent ear infections that have not responded to other treatments. Additionally, tympanoplasty may be recommended for patients with cholesteatoma, a noncancerous growth in the middle ear that can cause hearing loss and other complications if left untreated. Overall, tympanoplasty is a safe and effective surgical procedure for patients with various ear conditions.

Timeline

Before tympanoplasty:

  1. Patient complains of hearing loss, ear pain, ear discharge, or other symptoms related to a perforated eardrum.
  2. Patient undergoes a thorough physical examination, hearing tests, and imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis of a perforated eardrum.
  3. Patient discusses treatment options with an ENT specialist, including tympanoplasty, a surgical procedure to repair the perforated eardrum.

After tympanoplasty:

  1. Patient undergoes tympanoplasty surgery, which involves repairing the perforated eardrum using a graft taken from the patient’s own tissues or synthetic materials.
  2. Patient may experience mild pain, swelling, and drainage from the ear in the days following surgery.
  3. Patient is prescribed pain medication, antibiotics, and ear drops to prevent infection and promote healing.
  4. Patient is advised to avoid getting water in the ear and to follow postoperative care instructions to ensure successful healing.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the ENT specialist to monitor healing progress and assess hearing improvement.
  6. Patient gradually resumes normal activities, taking care to protect the ear from trauma or infection.
  7. Patient experiences improved hearing and reduced symptoms related to the perforated eardrum.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of tympanoplasty surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of tympanoplasty in improving hearing loss and repairing the eardrum?
  3. What is the recovery process like after tympanoplasty surgery?
  4. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional procedures after the surgery?
  5. How long will it take for me to fully recover and return to my normal activities?
  6. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  8. How experienced are you in performing tympanoplasty surgeries?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with tympanoplasty?
  10. What are the expected outcomes and potential long-term effects of tympanoplasty surgery?

Reference

Authors: Fang L, Xu J, Wang W, Huang Y. Journal: Am J Otolaryngol. 2020 Nov-Dec;41(6):102571. doi: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2020.102571. Epub 2020 Jun 1. PMID: 32590256