Tympanoplasty14

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Definition
Tympanoplasty, also called eardrum repair, refers to surgery performed to reconstruct a perforated
tympanic membrane (eardrum) or the small bones of the middle ear. Eardrum perforation may result from
chronic infection or, less commonly, from trauma to the eardrum.

Purpose
The tympanic membrane of the ear is a three-layer structure. The outer and inner layers consist of
epithelium cells. Perforations occur as a result of defects in the middle layer, which contains elastic
collagen fibers. Small perforations usually heal spontaneously. However, if the defect is relatively large, or
if there is a poor blood supply or an infection during the healing process, spontaneous repair may be
hindered. Eardrums may also be perforated as a result of trauma, such as an object in the ear, a slap on the
ear, or an explosion.
The purpose of tympanoplasty is to repair the perforated eardrum, and sometimes the middle ear bones
(ossicles) that consist of the incus, malleus, and stapes. Tympanic membrane grafting may be required. If
needed, grafts are usually taken from a vein or fascia (muscle sheath) tissue on the lobe of the ear.
Synthetic materials may be used if patients have had previous surgeries and have limited graft availability.

Demographics
In the United States, ear disorders leading to hearing loss affect all ages. Over 60% of the population with
hearing loss is under the age of 65, although nearly 25% of those above age 65 have a hearing loss that is
considered significant. Causes include: birth defect (4.4%), ear infection (12.2%), ear injury (4.9%),
damage due to excessive noise levels (33.7%), advanced age (28%), and other problems (16.8%).

Description
There are five basic types of tympanoplasty procedures:

Type I tympanoplasty is called myringoplasty, and only involves the restoration of the perforated
eardrum by grafting.
Type II tympanoplasty is used for tympanic membrane perforations with erosion of the malleus. It
involves grafting onto the incus or the remains of the malleus.
Type III tympanoplasty is indicated for destruction of two ossicles, with the stapes still intact and
mobile. It involves placing a graft onto the stapes, and providing protection for the assembly.
Type IV tympanoplasty is used for ossicular destruction, which includes all or part of the stapes
arch. It involves placing a graft onto or around a mobile stapes footplate.
Type V tympanoplasty is used when the footplate of the stapes is fixed.

Depending on its type, tympanoplasty can be performed under local or general anesthesia. In small
perforations of the eardrum, Type I tympanoplasty can be easily performed under local anesthesia with
intravenous sedation. An incision is made into the ear canal and the remaining eardrum is elevated away
from the bony ear canal, and lifted forward. The surgeon uses an operating microscope to enlarge the view
of the ear structures. If the perforation is very large or the hole is far forward and away from the view of
the surgeon, it may be necessary to perform an incision behind the ear. This elevates the entire outer ear
forward, providing access to the perforation. Once the hole is fully exposed, the perforated remnant is
rotated forward, and the bones of hearing are inspected. If scar tissue is present, it is removed either with
micro hooks or laser.
Tissue is then taken either from the back of the ear, the tragus (small cartilaginous lobe of skin in front the
ear), or from a vein. The tissues are thinned and dried. An absorbable gelatin sponge is placed under the
eardrum to support the graft. The graft is then inserted underneath the remaining eardrum remnant, which
is folded back onto the perforation to provide closure. Very thin sheeting is usually placed against the top
of the graft to prevent it from sliding out of the ear when the patient sneezes.
If it was opened from behind, the ear is then stitched together. Usually, the stitches are buried in the skin
and do not have to be removed later. A sterile patch is placed on the outside of the ear canal and the patient
returns to the recovery room.

Diagnosis/Preparation
The examining physician performs a complete physical with diagnostic testing of the ear, which includes
an audiogram and history of the hearing loss, as well as any vertigo or facial weakness. A microscopic
exam is also performed. Otoscopy is used to assess the mobility of the tympanic membrane and the
malleus. A fistula test can be performed if there is a history of dizziness or a marginal perforation of the
eardrum.
Preparation for surgery depends upon the type of tympanoplasty. For all procedures, however; blood and
urine studies, and hearing tests are conducted prior to surgery.

Aftercare
Generally, the patient can return home within two to three hours. Antibiotics are given, along with a mild
pain reliever. After 10 days, the packing is removed and the ear is evaluated to see if the graft was
successful. Water is kept away from the ear, and nose blowing is discouraged. If there are allegies or a
cold, antibiotics and a decongestant are usually prescribed. Most patients can return to work after five or
six days, or two to three weeks if they perform heavy physical labor. After three weeks, all packing is
completely removed under the operating microscope. It is then determined whether or not the graft has
fully taken.
Post-operative care is also designed to keep the patient comfortable. Infection is generally prevented by
soaking the ear canal with antibiotics. To heal, the graft must be kept free from infection, and must not
experience shearing forces or excessive tension. Activities that change the tympanic pressure are
forbidden, such as sneezing with the mouth shut, using a straw to drink, or heavy nose blowing. A
complete hearing test is performed four to six weeks after the operation.

The tympanic membrane, or ear drum, may need surgical repair when punctured (A). During a type
I tympanoplasty, a perforation in the ear drum is visualized (B). A tissue graft is placed over the
perforation (C) and held in place by the existing ear drum (D). (
Illustration by GGS Inc.
)

Risks
Possible complications include failure of the graft to heal, causing recurrent eardrum perforation;
narrowing (stenosis) of the ear canal; scarring or adhesions in the middle ear; perilymph fistula and hearing
loss; erosion or extrusion of the prosthesis; dislocation of the prosthesis; and facial nerve injury. Other
problems such as recurrence of cholesteatoma, may or may not result from the surgery.
Tinnitus (noises in the ear), particularly echo-type noises, may be present as a result of the perforation
itself. Usually, with improvement in hearing and closure of the eardrum, the tinnitus resolves. In some
cases, however, it may worsen after the operation. It is rare for the tinnitus to be permanent after surgery.

Normal results
Tympanoplasty is successful in over 90% of cases. In most cases, the operation relieves pain and infection
symptoms completely. Hearing loss is minor.

Morbidity and mortality rates

There can be imbalance and dizziness immediately after this procedure. Dizziness, however, is uncommon
in tympanoplasties that only involve the eardrum. Besides failure of the graft, there may be further hearing
loss due to unexplained factors during the healing process. This occurs in less than 5% of patients. A total
hearing loss from tympanoplasty surgery is rare, occurring in less than 1% of operations. Mild
postoperative dizziness and imbalance can persist for about a week after surgery. If the ear becomes

infected after surgery, the risk of dizziness increases. Generally, imbalance and dizziness completely
disappears after a week or two.

Alternatives
Myringoplasty is another operative procedure used in the reconstruction of a perforation of the tympanic
membrane. It is performed when the middle ear space, its mucosa, and the ossicular chain are free of active
infection. Unlike tympanoplasty, there is no direct inspection of the middle ear during this procedure.
See also Mastoidectomy.

Resources
BOOKS
Fisch, H. and J. May. Tympanoplasty, Mastoidectomy, and Stapes Surgery. New York: Thieme Medical
Pub., 1994.
Roland, P. S. Tympanoplasty: Repair of the Tympanic Membrane. Continuing Education Program
(American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation). Alexandria, VA: American
Academy of Otolaryngology, 1994.
Tos, M. Manual of Middle Ear Surgery: Approaches, Myringoplasty, Ossiculoplasty and Tympanoplasty.
New York: Thieme Medical Pub., 1993.

PERIODICALS
Downey, T. J., A. L. Champeaux, and A. B. Silva. "AlloDerm Tympanoplasty of Tympanic Membrane
Perforations." American Journal of Otolaryngology 24 (January/February 2003): 6-13.
Duckert, L. G., K. H. Makielski, and J. Helms. "Prolonged Middle Ear Ventilation with the Cartilage
Shield T-tube Tympanoplasty." Otology & Neurotology 24 (March 2003): 153-7.
Oshima, T., Y. Kasuya, Y. Okumura, E. Terazawa, and S. Dohi. "Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting with
Tandospirone in Adults after Tympanoplasty." Anesthesia & Analgesia 95 (November 2002): 350-1.
Sheahan, P., T. O'Dwyer, and A. Blayney. "Results of Type 1 Tympanoplasty in Children and Parental
Perceptions of Outcome of Surgery." Journal of Laryngology & Otology 116 (June 2002): 430-4.
Uzun, C., M. Velepic, D. Manestar, D. Bonifacic, and T. Braut. "Cartilage Palisade Tympanoplasty, Diving
and Eustachian Tube Function." Otology & Neurotology 24 (March 2003): 350-1.

ORGANIZATIONS
American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. One Prince Street, Alexandria, VA
22314. (703) 806-4444. http://www.entnet.org.
American Hearing Research Foundation. 55 E. Washington St., Suite 2022, Chicago, IL 60602. (312) 7269670. www.american-hearing.org/