Tympanocentesis

Tympanocentesis is a medical procedure that involves puncturing the tympanic membrane or eardrum to drain fluid from the middle ear. This procedure is often performed to relieve pressure caused by a middle ear infection or to collect fluid for testing to determine the cause of the infection.

Procedure

The procedure is usually performed in a doctor's office. The patient is seated and the ear is cleaned with an antiseptic solution. A local anesthetic is applied to the eardrum to numb the area. A small needle is then inserted through the eardrum to drain the fluid. The fluid may be sent to a lab for testing.

Indications

Tympanocentesis is often performed when a patient has a persistent middle ear infection that has not responded to antibiotic treatment. It may also be performed to relieve the pressure and pain of an ear infection, or to collect fluid for testing when a serious infection is suspected.

Risks

As with any medical procedure, there are risks associated with tympanocentesis. These may include bleeding, infection, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and temporary or permanent hearing loss. There is also a small risk of damage to the eardrum or nearby structures.

Aftercare

After the procedure, the patient may be given antibiotic ear drops to prevent infection. The patient should avoid getting water in the ear until it has healed. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor healing and to check for any complications.

See Also

• Otitis Media
• Ear Infection
• Tympanic Membrane