An adequate solution for damage to the eardrum
Perforations of the eardrum are treated by performing myringoplasty. With this surgical procedure, we reconstruct the eardrum with the help of our own tissue.
Ear infection is not a rare occurrence among people. Exposure to viruses and bacteria, injuries, untreated water in the ear canal or an existing respiratory infection are just some of the reasons why you can get an ear infection.
Infections of the respiratory tract, including the ear, are treated with antibiotics and bed rest and in most cases do not cause significant complications.
However, in the case of recurrent ear infections, perforation of the eardrum may occur. Perforation of the eardrum is caused by otitis media, trauma (blow to the ear or head trauma).
Perforation of the eardrum causes impaired hearing and significantly impairs the quality of life because it is necessary to avoid water entering the ear. Exposing the ear to water leads to inflammation. Perforation of the eardrum can lead to chronic ear inflammation that requires much larger surgery.
Perforations of the eardrum are treated by performing myringoplasty. With this surgical procedure, we reconstruct the eardrum with the help of our own tissue.
The human ear is made up of three main parts: the outer, middle, and inner ear.
The outer ear consists of the auricle and the ear canal. The auricle is responsible for better collection of sound signals, and they travel through the ear canal to the eardrum.
When sound waves reach the eardrum, it begins to vibrate, and the connected ossicles transmit the signal to the inner ear and further to the auditory center in the brain.
The eardrum is the boundary between the outer and middle ear, and consists of three layers:
If the Eustachian tube is passable, the eardrums are movable, and if it is impassable, the eardrum will be less mobile, which causes impaired hearing.
Damage to the eardrum can occur due to:
Middle ear infections cause secretions to accumulate in the eardrum. Since the Eustachian tube is clogged, the secretion cannot drain into the pharynx, but remains in the middle ear.
The accumulation of secretions puts pressure on the eardrum, which can lead to rupture (perforation) of the eardrum.
Perforation of the eardrum can be caused by various mechanical traumas. They most often occur when cleaning the ear with cotton swabs and other solid objects. In addition to cleaning with a stick, eardrum injuries can occur in the midst of strong blows to the head, such as being hit with a ball or being hit on the ear with your hand.
Sudden changes in pressure put a strain on the eardrums. Changes in altitude (air travel, mountaineering), diving or even straining due to an obstruction of the Eustachian tube that makes it impossible to equalize the pressure; All this can result in perforation of the eardrum.
You can suspect perforation of the eardrum if you notice the following symptoms:
If you notice other phenomena such as nausea, headache and dizziness in addition to these symptoms, contact an otolaryngologist as soon as possible.
To detect a complication related to your eardrum function, the doctor will perform several diagnostic examinations.
For the purpose of diagnosing perforation of the eardrum, at the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic we perform:
An ENT examination is considered a basic examination for the diagnosis of any disorders in the ear, throat and nose area. When examining the ear, the doctor uses an endoscope optical device with a light source.
The doctor uses an endoscope to examine the eardrum and ear canal in detail.
Otomicroscope examination allows the identification of smaller and more detailed perforations that are not visible with an otoscope.
With the help of tympanometry, we obtain data on the mobility of the eardrum, and it is possible to detect very small perforations that are not visible
If you notice hearing loss, you will be subjected to various hearing tests, of which a tonal audiogram examination stands out.
When performing this examination, sounds of various frequencies will be emitted through your headphones and in this way they will see the real state of your hearing.
After the doctor has checked the work of your eardrums and informed you about the necessary procedure, you are required to attach the following findings before the operation:
With these findings, we will gain insight into your health condition, previous problems and assess how safe it is to undergo surgery.
The ECG recording and spirometry results are used to observe your vital functions during the procedure. By comparing your functions before and during surgery, we can notice the development of possible complications such as rapid breathing or increased pulse.
If you suffer from a blood clotting disorder, we will have to postpone the operation until we find an adequate solution.
The same applies to allergies to anesthesia , which you must inform us about before the procedure.
After the examinations and the submitted findings, you will need to sign a consent that describes in detail the procedure of the operation, possible risks and information on the use of general anesthesia.
By signing the consent, you accept all possible risks and the use of anesthetics.
Be sure to come to the surgery accompanied. Namely, the effect of general anesthesia is present even a few hours after the end of operations. You may feel mild nausea and lightheadedness, which is why driving after surgery is undesirable.
Depending on the localization and size of perfrotion in adults, it is possible to perform myringoplasty under local anesthesia.
Upon arrival at the operating room, you will be placed on the operating table. The anesthesiologist will give you general anesthesia after which you will find yourself in an unconscious state. Due to the action of general anesthesia, the operation will be painless and you will not remember it.
The anesthesiologist will monitor vital functions during the procedure to indicate possible complications.
Once the anesthesia starts working, the surgery can begin. If the surgery is performed under local anesthesia, you will receive an injection of anesthetic into the ear canal. During the surgery, you feel that something is being done in the ear, but without pain.
In the presence of an operating microscope or endoscope , the doctor examines the eardrum and closely observes the degree of perforation.
Using surgical instruments, the surgeon makes small incisions near the eardrum. Depending on the localization and size of the perforation, it will be decided which approach is best (through the ear canal or behind the ear). From the materials for the reconstruction of the eardrum, we can use the perichondrium of the cartilage, the fascia of the temporal muscle or, in the case of minor perforations, adipose tissue.
In the case of very small perproles, the surgeon widens the hole (perforation) and places a part of the adipose tissue in the perforation area, which was removed by an incision from your ear.
After the reconstruction of the eardrum, a resorptive (self-degrading) material is placed in the middle and outer ear, which fixes the new eardrum in the specified position so that it heals properly.
After the operation, the anesthesiologist wakes you up from your unconscious state and you go to home care the same day.
For the first few weeks after surgery, it is necessary to avoid blowing the nose and exerting too much effort so that the eardrum heals properly.
The surgery can take between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the size and position of the perforation.
After the myringoplasty is performed, you can go home the same day to recover. After 3-4 weeks, you come for an examination where the remaining resorptive material is removed and the condition of your eardrum is checked.
After the procedure, you are allowed to engage in milder physical activities, and you will increase the intensity of the activity over time, after a month a full load is possible.
Avoid blowing your nose hard and try to sneeze through your mouth at first. Any sudden jolt can put pressure on the eardrum and thus prolong recovery.
Flying by plane, diving, etc. Activities should be avoided for three months after surgery.
After myringoplasty, you can expect standard side effects that are typical for any procedure, such as bleeding, infection, or an allergic reaction to anesthesia.
Myringoplasty can also cause additional complications
If you notice any of these side effects, be sure to inform us so that we can arrange an examination and a possible repetition of the procedure.
At the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic , we perform ear, nose, and throat surgeries daily. Our team of ENT and head and neck surgery specialists will ensure the procedure goes smoothly and that you leave our clinic healthier and looking better.
Eardrum surgery is the optimal solution for treating perforation of the eardrum membrane. The procedure is quick and painless, and if done correctly, complications are rare.
If you suspect a possible perforation of the eardrum, make an appointment for an examination by calling +3851 2444 646 or fill out our online form.
The main goal of LF Polyclinic is to improve the quality of life and health of our clients by providing them with top-notch healthcare services.
