Tympanoplasty Surgery in Corpus Christi, TX
Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to repair a perforated eardrum (tympanic membrane perforation) and, when indicated, reconstruct the middle ear sound-conducting mechanism (ossicular chain). At Corpus Christi ENT Sinus & Allergy, Dr. Todd M. Weiss performs tympanoplasty to close eardrum perforations, restore middle ear anatomy, improve hearing, and eliminate a source of recurrent ear infection.
Indications for Tympanoplasty
- A persistent eardrum perforation that has not healed spontaneously after adequate observation (typically three or more months)
- Chronic suppurative otitis media with persistent middle ear drainage
- Perforations associated with significant conductive hearing loss
- Middle ear disease requiring surgical exploration and ossicular reconstruction
- Cholesteatoma (an abnormal skin cyst in the middle ear) requires more extensive surgery but may incorporate tympanoplasty
Types of Tympanoplasty
Type I: Myringoplasty
Type I tympanoplasty (myringoplasty) involves repair of the eardrum perforation alone, with an intact and mobile ossicular chain. This is the most common form of the procedure.
Types II through V
When the ossicular chain is disrupted, eroded, or fixed (as in otosclerosis), the procedure is classified as Type II through Type V, reflecting the extent of ossicular reconstruction performed. Prosthetic ossicles (partial or total ossicular replacement prostheses, PORP or TORP) may be used to re-establish the sound-conducting mechanism.
Surgical Technique and Graft Materials
The eardrum is repaired using a graft of the patient’s own tissue. The most commonly used grafts are:
- Temporalis fascia: connective tissue overlying the temporalis muscle, harvested through an incision above and behind the ear
- Tragal perichondrium or cartilage: tissue from the tragus of the ear, providing excellent structural support
- Fat graft: for very small perforations, a small fat plug may be sufficient
Dr. Weiss will select the most appropriate graft material based on the size and location of the perforation and the condition of the middle ear.
The Procedure
Tympanoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Depending on the approach transcanal (through the ear canal) or post-auricular (through an incision behind the ear) the procedure takes one to two hours. The graft is placed in contact with the edges of the perforation and held in position with absorbable packing material.
Recovery
Patients are typically discharged the same day. Post-operative instructions include:
- Keeping the ear dry for four to six weeks
- Avoiding nose blowing and air travel for four to six weeks
- Avoiding strenuous activity and heavy lifting for two weeks
- Using prescribed antibiotic ear drops as directed
Hearing improvement, if expected, is typically assessed at six to eight weeks post-operatively, once the middle ear has fully healed.
Outcomes
Tympanoplasty has a graft success rate of approximately 85 to 95 percent in experienced hands. Hearing improvement following successful closure of a perforation is common, particularly for conductive hearing loss caused by the perforation alone. Dr. Weiss will discuss expected hearing outcomes based on your specific audiometric and anatomical findings.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If a perforated eardrum hasn’t healed on its own, surgical repair can restore your hearing and ear health. Call us at (361) 320-6130 or connect with us online to schedule a consultation.