Tympanoplasty at Relentcare ENT Centre|Thrissur| Kerala

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What is Tympanoplasty?

Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to repair a damaged or perforated eardrum (also known as the tympanic membrane). The eardrum is a thin membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear, vibrating in response to sound, which is essential for hearing. When this membrane is damaged due to various reasons, it may not heal on its own, leading to hearing loss and increased risk of infections. Tympanoplasty is performed to close the hole in the eardrum, restore hearing, and prevent complications such as recurrent infections or fluid accumulation in the middle ear. 

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Why is Tympanoplasty Needed?

Tympanoplasty is typically recommended when a hole or tear in the eardrum does not heal naturally, leading to persistent hearing loss, discomfort, and an increased risk of ear infections.

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Common reasons for a perforated eardrum in children include:

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• Ear infections: Severe or recurrent middle ear infections can cause the eardrum to rupture.

• Ear Tubes: Children with ventilation tubes (eartubes) placed for chronic infections may have a hole in the eardrum after the tubes fall out or are removed.

• Trauma or Injury: Accidental injury, such as puncturing the eardrum with a cotton swab, can result in a tear.

• Cholesteatoma: This is a non-cancerous growth behind the eardrum that can lead to perforations or damage to the ear structure.

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While many eardrum perforations heal naturally, a surgical approach like tympanoplasty may be needed if the tear persists or leads to complications such as recurrent ear infections, hearing loss, or fluid buildup.

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What Happens Before Tympanoplasty?

Before performing the surgery, the medical team at Relentcare ENT Centre will conduct a hearing test to assess your child's current hearing ability. This will provide a baseline for comparing hearing results post-surgery.

Additionally, the doctor will evaluate the size and location of the perforation to determine the best approach for the surgery. If your child has any underlying conditions, such as chronic ear infections or allergies, these may need to be managed before the surgery.

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Preparing for Tympanoplasty

Proper preparation for tympanoplasty ensures the best possible outcome for your child. Your healthcare provider will give specific instructions about when to stop eating and drinking before the surgery. This is typically required as your child will undergo general anesthesia, and the stomach needs to be empty to prevent complications.

Preparing your child mentally is also crucial. Talking to them about the procedure in an age-appropriate manner, reassuring them about the safety of the surgery, and explaining the recovery process can help alleviate anxiety. At Relentcare ENT Centre, we aim to make the experience as smooth as possible for both children and their families.

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What Happens During Tympanoplasty?

The surgery is performed by a skilled Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeon at aany major hospitals in Thrissur, under general anesthesia. This means your child will be asleep and pain-free throughout the procedure.

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The surgery involves the following steps:

1. Preparation of the Site: The surgeon will carefully clean the ear and surrounding areas to ensure a sterile environment.

2. Grafting: The hole or tear in the eardrum will be closed with a graft (patch). This graft can be made from tissue taken from around the ear (cartilage or fascia) or from synthetic materials.

3. Placement of Packing: Once the graft is in place, packing material will be used to keep the graft secure while it heals. This material will dissolve over time, typically within a few weeks.

4. Sutures: In some cases, small sutures may be used to hold the graft in place temporarily.

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The procedure generally lasts between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the eardrum perforation.

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What to Expect After Surgery?

After the surgery, your child will be monitored in the recovery room until they wake up from the anesthesia. Most children recover quickly, but you will receive comprehensive instructions on how to care for your child at home. Key post-operative care includes:

• Avoiding nose-blowing: This helps prevent pressure changes in the ear that could disrupt healing.

• Sneeze with mouth open: To avoid any pressure on the ear during sneezing.

• Keep the ear dry: It is important to prevent water from entering the ear during the healing process. This may involve using earplugs or a cotton ball when bathing or showering.

• Medication: Your child may be prescribed ear drops to prevent infections or manage any residual pain.

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In the first week after surgery, it’s normal for your child to experience:

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• Mild ear pain, which can be controlled with prescribed pain medications.

• A small amount of fluid or blood drainage from the ear.

• A full feeling in the ear, as swelling may occur post-surgery.

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Any packing placed inside the ear should naturally dissolve over a few weeks. Your child will return to Relentcare ENT Centre for a follow-up appointment about 2-3 weeks after surgery, where the surgeon will check on the healing process and may remove any remaining packing.

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Hearing Improvement

Hearing typically improves gradually over 2-3 months as the graft heals. A follow-up hearing test is typically scheduled for 8-12 weeks after surgery to assess the effectiveness of the repair.

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Risks of Tympanoplasty

Although tympanoplasty is a safe procedure, like all surgeries, it carries some risks. These include:

• Infection: A small risk of infection at the surgery site.

• Graft failure: The graft may not fully heal or may fall out.

• Hearing issues: Some children may not experience full recovery of hearing, or it may even worsen in rare cases.

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ear): This can occur temporarily after the surgery.

• Dizziness or balance issues: These can happen due to changes in the ear structure.

• Cholesteatoma: A growth of skin tissue in the ear that could lead to further complications.

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How Parents Can Help During Recovery

To promote healing and ensure a smooth recovery process, here are some steps parents can take:

• Follow the surgeon's care instructions meticulously to avoid complications.

• Administer prescribed medications as directed, especially for pain relief.

• Limit physical activities: Your child should avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities, and contact sports for several weeks to allow proper healing.

• Prevent water from entering the ear: This is crucial to avoid infection and support healing.

• Ensure follow-up appointments: Timely follow-up visits at Relentcare ENT Centre will allow the doctor to monitor your child’s progress.

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Most children can return to regular activities within a few days after the procedure, but full recovery may take several weeks to a few months.

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When to Contact the Doctor

It's important to monitor your child’s recovery closely. Contact the doctor immediately if:

• You notice bright red blood or steady oozing from the ear or incision.

• The ear or incision becomes more tender, red, or swollen.

• Your child develops a fever above 100.4°F (38°C).

• Your child’s pain worsens or doesn’t improve with medication.

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If you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Relentcare ENT Centre, Thrissur.

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Cost of Tympanoplasty

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The cost of tympanoplasty depends on the hospital you select and the mode of anaesthesia used:

• Under Local Anaesthesia: Costs range from ₹20,000 to ₹40,000, depending on the hospital.

• Under General Anaesthesia: Costs range from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000, depending on the hospital.

For detailed cost estimates and consultation, please contact Relentcare ENT Centre, Thrissur.

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