How long does it take to heal after a myringotomy?
Complete healing without complications should occur within four weeks. If ear tubes were inserted, they should fall out within 6-12 months. In some cases, surgery to remove the ear tubes may be necessary.
What happens after myringotomy?
The recovery: what to expect after surgery Myringotomy is associated with a very quick recovery period. Most patients experience minimal pain and discomfort, and some may require antibiotic ear drops after surgery. Once tympanostomy tubes are placed, you will no longer be able to scuba dive or swim deeply under water.
Is a myringotomy an outpatient procedure?
A myringotomy is typically an in-office procedure for adults and some older children. Young children require a few minutes of general anesthesia and so the procedure is performed in the operating room.
How is a myringotomy done?
Myringotomy is a surgical procedure of the eardrum or tympanic membrane. The procedure is performed by making a small incision with a myringotomy knife through the layers of tympanic membrane (see the image below).
How painful is a myringotomy?
Minor discomfort is to be expected. Hearing loss associated with the fluid build-up goes away immediately after surgery. The incision will heal naturally.
Can myringotomy be done in office?
A myringotomy is performed to relieve pressure buildup in the middle ear, usually due to chronic middle ear infections which are resistant to other treatments. There may also be excessive fluid present due to severe allergies. Myringotomy can be performed in an office setting in adults.
What is the difference between a myringotomy and tympanostomy?
Myringotomy is the primary procedure to resolve chronic ear infections. However, the surgeon may perform a companion procedure called tympanostomy. With tympanostomy, the surgeon inserts small tubes into the cut created by myringotomy. The tubes allow excess fluid to drain out of the middle ear.
How is myringotomy done?
What happens during a myringotomy?
During a Myringotomy a small incision is placed in the ear drum to drain the fluid and relieve pressure from the middle of the ear. A small tube shaped like a spool of thread, known as pressure-equalizing (P.E.) tube, is placed into the opening to ventilate the ear and prevent fluid from accumulating. The ear drum heals around the tubes.
Is it normal to have ear pain after a myringotomy?
There may be ear pain post-operatively for a day or more after surgery. This pain should be relieved by Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.). A little grey to brown drainage, and possibly some blood-tinged drainage, is relatively common during the first few days after myringotomy with tube insertion.
How long does drainage from myringotomy take to heal?
A little grey to brown drainage, and possibly some blood-tinged drainage, is relatively common during the first few days after myringotomy with tube insertion. However, the drainage should resolve after 5 to 7 days with any prescribed medication. A prescription for ear drops will be prescribed if needed postoperatively.
What pain medication can I take for drainage after myringotomy?
This pain should be relieved by Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.). A little grey to brown drainage, and possibly some blood-tinged drainage, is relatively common during the first few days after myringotomy with tube insertion. However, the drainage should resolve after 5 to 7 days with any prescribed medication.