What is it?
Myringotomy is a procedure of incision on the ear drum to allow the drainage of fluid from the middle ear and to equalise the pressure on either side of the ear drum. A grommet is a tube which can be inserted through the tympanic membrane to keep this communication patent. Grommets usually fall at variable periods, usually 3-6 months.
What is the aim of the procedure?
This procedure relieves the fluid buildup in the ear that may be caused because of severe middle ear infections. Myringotomy is generally considered to:
Treat ear infections that have not responded well to other treatments
Improve the hearing loss due to fluid buildup
Improve the speech development delayed by hearing loss due to fluid build-up in the middle ear
Treat recurrent eustachian tube or eardrum dysfunction
What is done during the procedure?
During the procedure an incision is made in the ear drum. A grommet may be placed in that incision if required. These are performed under endoscopic guidance and no externally visible scar will be present.
The procedure will be carried out under general anaesthesia. If you have any anaesthetic concerns, please discuss with your anaesthesia.
What are the risks associated with the procedure?
Bleeding can occur, if patient is on Blood thinner drugs (Warfarin, Aspirin. Clopidogrel)
Infection with discharge of pus through the grommet. This can be treated with antibiotics.
Perforation in the ear drum after the grommet falls out.
Scarring, thinning or thickening of the ear drum can occur.
Post-operative care and follow-up:
You will be discharged on the same day or the day following the surgery, if no complications are encountered. You will be asked to follow up with your doctor at 1 week to check for signs of complications.
Grommets usually fall off spontaneously at 3 months. If the initial problem recurs, then the grommet has to be replaced. It is advisable to avoid swimming for as long as the grommet is insitu.
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