Myringotomy (Ear Surgery) in India
What is Myringotomy?
Myringotomy surgery involves making an incision in the tympanic membrane (eardrum) to facilitate the drainage of fluid from the middle ear. On the other hand, tympanoplasty is a procedure where ear tubes are inserted to enable the continuous drainage of fluid.
The vibrations of the eardrum play a crucial role in hearing. Accumulation of fluid, such as water, behind the eardrum can result in impaired hearing. The procedure is recommended for children aged between 6 months and 2 years who are experiencing otitis media (recurrent ear infections). It effectively addresses hearing loss caused by fluid buildup.
The Advantages of inserting the Myringotomy tubes includes
Bilateral Myringotomy (BM-T)
The surgical procedure is employed to address severe middle ear infections, specifically for children for whom medication has proven ineffective. Another candidate for bilateral myringotomy is individuals experiencing complications from recurrent middle ear infections. During the surgery, excess fluid is drained through a small hole made in the eardrum, and a tympanoplasty tube is inserted to alleviate pressure. This tube, typically made of plastic or metal, facilitates air circulation for fluid drainage, preventing the recurrence of ear infections. The recovery period is swift, allowing the patient to resume their daily routine approximately 24 hours post-surgery.
Myringotomy Procedure
The procedure is carried out under general anesthesia as an outpatient, involving a meticulous ear cleaning and a small incision in the eardrum. Fluid is aspirated, and an ear tube is inserted, followed by packing the ear with cotton to prevent bleeding. This entire process is termed conventional myringotomy, with a healing period of 1-2 days.
Tympanoplasty (Eardrum Surgery)
The surgical procedure is conducted to mend a ruptured eardrum, sometimes involving the repair of tiny bones in the inner ear. Ruptured ears can be caused by barotrauma, ear injuries, and infections. A fatty tissue (adipose) graft is utilized for eardrum repair. The procedure aims to restore certain types of deafness, address middle ear infections, and improve hearing. Two surgical procedures, Tympanoplasty and Myringoplasty, are both employed to repair the perforated eardrum. Causes may include :
Cost of Myringotomy
Myringotomy surgery is highly cost-effective in India, known globally for its superior medical facilities and services compared to other developed countries like the U.S.