Ossiculoplasty (Middle Ear) Surgery in India
What is Ossiculoplasty?
Ossiculoplasty is a procedure that involves the reconstruction, enhancement, and repair of the small ear bones responsible for hearing within the middle ear. These bones may sustain damage due to diseases or infections like otitis media (prolonged middle ear infection) or head injury trauma. The primary goal of Ossiculoplasty is to enhance hearing. The surgery also addresses issues with the ear drum, correcting tears and damage to the tympanic membrane.
Middle Ear Surgery
The surgical procedure involves the use of prostheses (small false replacements) or reshaping of the bones to enhance their functionality. The incision is made either in the ear canal or behind the ear, performed under general anesthesia. The damaged ear bones (ossicles) are removed and cleaned during the surgery. Subsequently, these damaged bones can be replaced with artificial ones. Alternatively, the damaged bone can be repaired through the conduction method to avoid the use of artificial bones.
What are signs of Ossiculoplasty?
The primary symptom that indicates the need for Ossiculoplasty is hearing loss resulting from damage to the ossicles. Typically, the damage is focused on the joint between the stapes and the incus, requiring correction. Infections can also lead to damage to the malleus bone. Deafness may also be caused by sclerosis in the bones. Individuals experiencing conductive hearing loss are potential candidates for Ossiculoplasty. To prevent damage to the ear ossicles, it is crucial to promptly treat middle ear infections.
Middle Ear Diseases
Ear Plastic Surgery
Disfigured ears can be rectified through plastic surgery. Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is conducted to enhance the proportion, position, or shape of the ear. This surgical procedure addresses both misshapen ears resulting from injuries and corrects structural defects present at birth or developed over time. The objective is to achieve a natural shape while bringing a harmonious balance and proportion to the face and ears. Even the correction of minor deformities can lead to a significant transformation in appearance.
Ossiculoplasty Treatment
Split Earlobe Repair
The surgery is undertaken to repair a torn ear, specifically addressing the condition of a split earlobe. This occurs when there is a division of the skin starting from the point of piercing and extending down to the base of the earlobe. The tear of the earlobe is often a result of wearing heavy or oversized earrings, causing stretching of the earlobe hole. Combining can also lead to tear and infection of the earlobe. The left side of the ear is commonly more affected, and this imperfection is frequently noticeable. The Z-plasty technique is employed for repairing the split earlobe.
Ossiculoplasty Procedure
The surgery is conducted under general anesthesia and typically lasts around 2 hours, although the duration may vary based on the extent and nature of the trauma, individual complexities, and the status of the wound. The reconstruction process is highly dependent on the specific defects, which may take various forms. All methods involve the removal of the skin lining, creating a raw edge for reconstruction. The overall goal of the reconstruction is to establish normal proportions around the smaller ear.