Conditions & Treatments: Symptoms, Causes and Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment

myringoplasty - Treatments

Common risks and complications:

Ringing in the ears

This occurs in many patients usually due to the packing in the ears. It usually recedes as the ear heals. However, occasionally it could be permanent. There is a chance that ringing in the ears which existed before the surgery may not be resolved after surgery.

Giddiness

This is common after anaesthesia but may also be due to manipulation of the ear-drum and bones that are connected to it. This is usually temporary and eventually it will resolve by itself.

Altered sense of taste

One of the nerves that transmit taste from part of the tongue runs closely behind the ear-drum. During surgery this nerve may be stretched or damaged or rarely, may have to be sacrificed. This may sometimes result in a change in taste, which is often temporary. The overall incidence may be as high as 15% but most resolve with time.

Failure to seal the perforation

There is a high chance of completely sealing the perforation. However, failure may be due to a variety of factors including the size and site of the perforation and whether the operation site gets infected. The risk of a persistent or recurrent perforation post-operation is between 11% and 16%. It is therefore important that you comply with the post-operative instructions strictly.

Uncommon risks and complications:

Facial nerve damage

There is another nerve that runs deeper in the ear. This nerve transmits fibres that control movement of one side of the face. Damage to this nerve is extremely rare as it is relatively far from the site of surgery. However, damage can occur particularly if the nerve runs in an abnormal location due to a congenital abnormality.

Wound infection and scarring

There is a small risk of bleeding and infection of the incision wound. Antibiotics are prescribed to prevent this. Wounds that get infected will take longer to heal and may result in poor scarring. Poor scarring can be corrected with further scar revisions.

Bleeding

There is a small risk of bleeding. A head bandage may be applied after the surgery to apply local pressure and prevent bleeding.

Deafness/hearing loss

Immediately after the operation, ear packing may be required and as a result, your hearing may be further impaired. This will usually improve when the packs are removed (normally about 2 weeks after the operation). There is a small risk of permanent hearing loss as a result of damage to the middle or inner ear.