Tympanoplasty – Middle Ear Surgery for Infections

Middle ear surgery, known as tympanoplasty, involves several elements: removal of infected tissue, reconstruction of the eardrum (myringoplasty), and reconstruction of the ossicular chain (ossiculoplasty) using either the patient’s own tissue or an implant. Depending on the severity of the middle ear infection, one or more ear surgeries may be necessary to achieve a satisfactory result.

When is middle ear surgery necessary?

Middle ear infection is the most common reason for ear surgery. Chronic ear infections, which last longer than 2 months, lead to permanent damage to the eardrum. The result is a perforated eardrum, ear discharge, reduced hearing – deafness – due to disruption of the ossicular chain that transmits sound to the cochlea, damage to the balance center, and even damage to the facial nerve – facial nerve paralysis. Untreated middle ear infections can also lead to complications in the brain.

Cholesteatoma

Cholesteatoma is particularly troublesome – a chronic middle ear infection that causes destruction of the bone housing the ear, i.e., the organs for hearing and balance. Symptoms include ear discharge, ear pain, hearing loss, occasional nausea, and vomiting. Since cholesteatoma often develops in childhood, it is crucial to recognize it as early as possible and take appropriate action, which means surgery.

How is middle ear surgery performed?

Middle ear surgery, also known as tympanoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at repairing damage to the eardrum and/or middle ear. There are different approaches to tympanoplasty, with the most common being:

1. Endaural tympanoplasty: The surgeon accesses the middle ear through the external auditory canal. This approach uses a microscope to enhance visibility and precision.
2. Retroaural tympanoplasty: The surgeon accesses the middle ear through an incision behind the ear. This approach is used when more complex procedures, such as reconstructing the middle ear structure, are required.

The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and lasts between 1 to 3 hours.

Procedure steps include:

1. The surgeon accesses the middle ear through the chosen approach.
2. The damaged eardrum is removed, and the middle ear is thoroughly examined to identify any other damage.
3. The surgeon repairs the damaged eardrum using various materials, such as tissue from the ear or synthetic materials.
4. If there is any other damage in the middle ear, such as damaged bony structures, the surgeon will repair them.
5. If there is any other damage in the middle ear, such as damaged bony structures, the surgeon will repair them.

Preparation

Before deciding on ear surgery, a detailed consultation and examination are required. During this time, Prof. Dr. Mislav Gjurić will explain the nature of the problem and the realistic options for correction. The final decision and the doctor’s recommendation depend on the results of the hearing tests. Tympanoplasty is performed under general anesthesia, which involves an examination by our anesthesiologist, laboratory tests, EKG, and spirometry.

Recovery

After middle ear surgery, the patient usually needs to spend a few hours in the hospital to recover from anesthesia. For the first few days after surgery, the patient must avoid activities that could increase pressure in the ear, such as flying, lifting heavy objects, and similar.

It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to care for your ear after surgery and attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.

The skin incision is located behind the ear or at the entrance to the ear canal. After the ear surgery, the patient typically goes home the same day, with a protective dressing applied to the ear for one week. Rest or minimal physical activity is recommended, with the next follow-up scheduled for 7 days later.

Return to daily activities is possible after one week, depending on the individual situation. Greater physical activity should be avoided for the next month. The ear must be protected from water until fully healed. The first hearing test is performed 2 months after the surgery.

Cost of middle ear surgery

You can check the current price list for the cost of the procedure. Contact us by phone at +385 1 5005 970 or email info@sinteza.hr for more information. Contact us with confidence and schedule your consultation and procedure. Our top doctors – Professor Mislav Gjurić and Dr. Juraj Lukinović – will use their expertise to diagnose and treat your issue.

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Client Documents

• Što sve trebate znati prije operacije
• Kako se pripremiti za zahvat u općoj anesteziji