Myringotomy

A surgical procedure to open the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and remove fluid (blood, pus, and/or water) from the middle ear, caused by infection or allergy. In many cases, a small tube is also inserted in the middle ear to maintain drainage. This surgery is most often performed on children, but is sometimes performed on adults.

Parts of the Body Involved

  • Eardrum
  • Middle ear
  • External ear canal

Reasons for Procedure

  • To relieve pain caused by pressure due to chronic fluid buildup in the middle ear that lasts 3-6 months and does not respond to non-surgical treatments
  • To restore hearing loss caused by fluid build-up, and, in children, to prevent delayed speech development caused by hearing loss
  • To take sample fluid from the middle ear to examine (in the lab) for the presence of microorganisms
  • To place tympanostomy tubes, which help to equalize pressure, in an attempt to prevent recurrent ear infections

Risk Factors for Complications during the Procedure

  • Recent illness, especially upper respiratory infection
  • Chronic illness
  • Previous ear drum perforation
  • Smoking
  • Use of narcotics or other mind-altering drugs
  • Use of certain prescription medications, including anti-hypertensives, insulin, and beta-adrenergic blockers

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:
  • Blood tests
  • Urine tests
  • Hearing test
  • Tympanogram

Outcome

Complete healing without complications should occur within 4 weeks. Pain and/or pressure in the ear due to fluid build-up should be alleviated, and hearing loss due to fluid build-up should improve as well.

If ear tubes were inserted, they should fall out within 6-12 months. In some cases, surgery to remove the ear tubes may be necessary.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the ear
  • Pain in the ear increases after surgery
  • Drainage from ear continues for more than 4 days after surgery
  • Headaches, muscle aches, dizziness, or general ill feeling
  • Constipation or abdominal swelling
  • Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting