What is Myringotomy ?

Myringotomy surgery is performed by making an incision in the tympanic membrane (eardrum) so as to allow the drain of fluid-filled from the middle ear. Tympanoplasty is the procedure in which the ear tubes are inserted in order to allow the continuous drain of the fluid. The eardrum vibrations are responsible for hearing. If any fluid (water) accumulates behind the eardrum, then it will lead to impaired hearing. The procedure is suggested for the children between the age group of 6 months - 2 years who are suffering from otitis media (recurring ear infections). The problem of hearing loss is also treated that has been caused by fluid build up.

The advantages of inserting the myringotomy tubes includes -

• By reducing the feeling of pressure, the ear pain is reduced.
• The diminished hearing can be restored by clearing the fluid from the middle ear.
• The air is allowed to reach the middle ear.
• Through the tubes, the fluid is drained out into the ear canal from the middle ear.
• It prevents the build up of additional fluid in the middle ear.

Bilateral Myringotomy (BM-T)

The surgical procedure is performed to treat the severe middle ear infections. The procedure is meant for those children who are suffering from middle ear infections and the use of medication was not effective. The other candidate for bilateral myringotomy are those who are suffering from the recurring middle ear infections complications. During the surgical procedure, the surplus fluid is drained out from the small hole made in the ear drum. To relieve the patient from the pressure, tympanoplasty tube is inserted. This small device is made up of either plastic or metal. The purpose of this tube is to allow the circulation of air for draining the fluid so as to stop the recurrence of the ear infections. The recovery period is fast and the patient can resume the daily routine approximately after 24 hours.

Myringotomy Procedure

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The surgeon thoroughly washes the ear and makes a little incision in the eardrum. The fluid is aspirated from the eardrum and the ear tube is inserted. The surgeon then packs the ear with cotton so as to prevent bleeding. The entire procedure is known as conventional myringotomy. The healing process will take 1-2 days.

Tympanoplasty (Eardrum Surgery)

The surgical procedure is performed to repair the ruptured eardrum. Sometimes the tiny bone repair in the inner ear is also involved. The causes that can lead to ruptured ear are barotrauma, injuries to the ear and ear infection. A fatty tissue (adipose) graft is used to repair the eardrum. The procedure can restore the few types of deafness, middle ear infections and hearing. The two surgical procedures- Tympanoplasty and Myringoplasty both are performed to repair the perforated ear drum. The causes may include-

• Sudden trauma and skull fracture
• Severe infections
• Myringotomy with tube insertion
• The trauma caused by placing different objects in the ear canal

Cost of Myringotomy

The surgery of Myringotomy is very affordable in India. India is known worldwide for its superior medical facilities and services as compared to other developed countries like U.S.