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Tympanoplasty Healing

Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure that involves using a graft to repair a perforated eardrum. This problem can occur with trauma to the eardrum or with chronic ear infections. The procedure also can involve repairing small bones of the middle ear along with reconstruction of the tympanic membrane. Understanding what to expect after surgery can help with a smooth recovery.

  1. Initial Recovery

    • After the tympanoplasty, you will be taken to a recovery room at the hospital or surgical center. The Encyclopedia of Surgery says medical personnel will observe you for two to three hours before sending you home with a mild pain reliever and antibiotics to help to prevent infection. Thin sheeting over the graft in your ear should protect the graft from falling out when you sneeze. The doctor will remove this packing after 10 days to determine if the graft was successful.

    Preventing Infection

    • In addition to oral antibiotics, the doctor might prescribe liquid antibiotics that are placed directly in the ear canal. According to the Encyclopedia of Surgery, soaking the ear canal with antibiotics can help prevent infection. The graft must be free of infection to heal properly, so follow your doctor's orders for using these antibiotics. Developing an ear infection could lead to complications after tympanoplasty.

    Stabilizing Tympanic Pressure

    • After the procedure, avoid activities that could cause sudden changes in tympanic pressure, such as blowing your nose with a lot of force, sneezing with your mouth closed or drinking through a straw. Allowing tympanic pressure to remain stable will help prevent the graft from shifting or falling out.

    Possible Complications

    • Head and Neck Surgery Associates, P.A. cites an 85 percent to 90 percent success rate for tympanoplasty. Still, be prepared for the possibility of complications developing after you have undergone this procedure. The Encyclopedia of Surgery lists possible complications as recurrent eardrum performance, failure of the graft to heal, scarring in the middle ear, narrowing of the ear canal, and hearing loss. If the graft does not heal properly, another surgery might be necessary to treat the perforated eardrum. Discuss any concerns about possible complications with your doctor so proper treatment and care can be provided.

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