Myringoplasty (Ear drum repair)
This document will give you information about a myringoplasty.
If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant
health professional.
What is a myringoplasty?
A myringoplasty is an operation to repair a hole (perforation)
in the eardrum (tympanic membrane).
A perforation is usually caused by an infection in the middle
ear that bursts through the eardrum (see figure 1).
(Figure 1 A hole in the eardrum can be repaired by a
myringoplasty)
It can also be caused by trauma (for example, being hit across
the ear). A perforated eardrum can lead to repeated ear infections
and poorer hearing.
What are the benefits of surgery?
Surgery can prevent repeated ear infections and sometimes
improve hearing.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
Keeping the ear dry using cotton wool and Vaseline may prevent
infection. An infection can be treated with antibiotics and a
trained healthcare practitioner can clean the ear. A hearing aid
can improve poor hearing.
What does the operation involve?
A myringoplasty is usually performed under a general anaesthetic
but a local anaesthetic can be used. Your surgeon will need to use
a graft (piece of tissue) to cover the hole.
Your surgeon will insert the graft through a cut made either in
front of or behind your ear or inside your ear canal. They will
lift the eardrum and place the graft underneath it and support it
with a dissolving sponge. They will then put the eardrum back.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Unsightly scarring
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Failure of the graft
- Loss of hearing
- Tinnitus
- Change of taste
- Infection
- Allergic reaction
How soon will I recover?
You may be able to go home the same day. If a head bandage has
been used, it will be removed the morning after surgery. Your
surgeon will tell you when you can return to normal activities. You
should stay off work for two weeks. You will be seen in the
outpatient clinic two to three weeks after the operation to check
the graft.
Summary
A perforated eardrum is a common problem. A myringoplasty can
prevent infections and sometimes improve your hearing.
Acknowledgements
Author: Miss Ruth Capper MD FRCS (ORL-HNS)
Illustrations: LifeART image copyright 2006 Lippincott Williams
& Wilkins. All rights reserved.
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
this website is produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed
by Ramsay Health Care UK.
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You may not copy, print out, download or
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The information should not replace advice that
your relevant health professional would give you.
Hospitals offering this treatment
- Ashtead, Surrey, Ashtead Hospital
- Bingley, Yorkshire Clinic
- Caterham, North Downs Hospital
- Chelmsford, Springfield Hospital
- Chorley, Euxton Hall Hospital
- Colchester, Oaks Hospital
- Doncaster, Park Hill Hospital
- Gloucester, Winfield Hospital
- Halesowen, West Midlands Hospital
- Hitchin, Pinehill Hospital
- Kettering, Woodand Hospital
- Nottinghamshire, Nottingham Hospital
- Ormskirk, Renacres Hospital
- Peterborough, Fitzwilliam Hospital
- Preston, Fulwood hospital
- Reading, Berkshire Independent Hospital
- Salford, Oaklands Hospital
- Salisbury, New Hall Hospital
- Sawbridgeworth, Rivers Hospital
- Stafford, Rowley Hospital
- Torquay, Mount Stuart Hospital
- Truro, Duchy Hospital