Myringotomy

Myringotomy is a surgical procedure that involves making a small incision in the eardrum to relieve pressure caused by excessive buildup of fluid, or to drain pus from the middle ear. The term "myringotomy" comes from the Greek words for "eardrum" (myringa) and "to cut" (tome).

Procedure

A myringotomy is a common procedure performed by an otolaryngologist. The patient is typically under general anesthesia, and the procedure takes about 15 minutes. The surgeon makes a small incision in the eardrum and removes fluid or pus. In some cases, a small tube (a tympanostomy tube) is inserted into the eardrum to help fluid drain.

Indications

Myringotomy is often recommended for patients with otitis media (middle ear infection) that has not responded to medical treatment, or for patients with chronic otitis media with effusion (fluid buildup) that lasts for several months. This procedure can also be used to take a sample of the fluid in the middle ear to examine in the lab.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, myringotomy carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, and damage to the eardrum or nearby structures. In some cases, the eardrum may not heal properly after the procedure, leading to hearing loss.

Aftercare

After a myringotomy, patients may experience some pain or discomfort in the ear. Over-the-counter pain relievers can usually manage this. If a tympanostomy tube was inserted, it will usually fall out on its own after several months. During this time, patients should avoid getting water in the ear, as this can lead to infection.

See Also

• Otitis media
• Tympanostomy tube
• Eardrum

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