Tympanoplasty
A tympanoplasty is the operation to repair a perforation in the tympanic membrane. In this operation, an incision is made in the crease behind the auricle; a piece of fascia (fibrous tissue overlying muscle) or cartilage is harvested from the patient and grafted onto the tympanic membrane to help close the perforation.
How is tympanoplasty performed
The procedure is generally performed under a general anesthesia in children. Your child may have the procedure performed in:
- An ambulatory surgery unit
- In the hospital as a day surgery procedure
- In the hospital as inpatient
What to expect after surgery
- There is usually a head dressing of gauze that remains over the operated ear for one day.
- The sutures are generally buried under the skin and do not require removal.
- You should keep the incision site dry for three days.
- There is usually absorbable gelatin packing in the ear that will be dissolved with eardrops.
- There will be some discharge from the ear for the first few days.
- Your child should refrain from physical activities that could lead to significant head trauma for two weeks after the operation.
You should call the doctor if:
- There is increased swelling, redness or pain around the ear
- There is a temperature higher than 101.5° F rectally or 100.5° F orally
- The child is dizzy
Discharge instructions
Please review The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia discharge instructions for Tympanoplasty and/or Tympanomastoidectomy.
Reviewed by: Steven D. Handler, MD, MBE
Date: April 2009
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