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Myringoplasty

Myringoplasty is a surgical procedure used to treat perforated eardrum (a hole in the eardrum). It is usually performed under general anesthesia, but can also be done under local anesthesia. The surgeon uses a graft to cover the hole. The graft used in the myringoplasty can be either a piece of tissue from elsewhere in the patient’s body or a gel-like substance. The procedure lasts from 30 to 40 minutes. Myringoplasty helps in preventing recurrent ear infections and improves hearing in cases of hearing loss.

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  • Myringoplasty is an operation to repair holes (perforations) in the eardrum. It is usually performed under general anaesthetic and takes about an hour.
  • A cut is normally made in the skin crease just behind or just in front of the ear. Often, a small amount of hair is shaved off immediately beside the ear.
  • A piece of tissue called a graft is used to patch the eardrum. This graft is normally taken from tissue called fascia that lies just under the skin behind the ear.
  • The eardrum is lifted up, and the graft is placed on the underside of the hole and held in place with a small piece of dissolvable packing. A gauze wick fills the ear canal afterwards to protect the eardrum and is removed 1–2 weeks later in the outpatient department.
  • After the operation, there is little discomfort. Any pain is easily controlled with painkillers. It is quite common to feel slightly dizzy for 1–2 days.
  • Most patients go home the day after surgery. It is best to take about 7 days off work. You must not get any water in the ear and should avoid swimming and flying for at least 6 weeks.
  • The graft fails to take in about 20% of cases. The operation can be repeated if this happens.
  • If the eardrum heals successfully, your hearing should improve, though it may not return completely to normal.
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