Overview *

Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure to repair a perforated eardrum. The eardrum is a thin membrane inside the ear at the end of the ear canal. Eardrum perforations are not usually a serious condition. However, they can lead to decreased hearing and frequent ear infections, and may cause a feeling of imbalance. If a ruptured eardrum does not heal on its own and the rupture becomes larger from repeated infections or trauma, it could have serious complications. These include poor hearing, especially in childhood when sound is vital to the development of speech. Another concern would be the spread of infection from the middle ear to the brain where meningitis or brain abscesses could form. Tympanoplasty is performed under local or general anesthesia. The surgeon places a tissue patch across the eardrum hole. This provides a bridge where tissue can grow and heal the eardrum. The tissue is usually grafted from the post-auricular fascia - the covering of the muscle tissue from behind your ear. Special gelfoam is placed around the graft to help hold it in place. If any of the 3 very tiny bones in the ear need to be repaired or moved back into position, your doctor will do this at the same time. Any incisions in the ear are stitched back together and these stitches usually just melt away.

In-Depth

Introduction | Ear Anatomy
Ear Perforations | Treatment Options
Procedure | Risks
After Surgery | Self-Care
Conclusion

Multimedia

Last reviewed: 4/30/2008