Myringoplasty eardrum surgery (2103)

(Myringoplasty)

Surgery to repair a hole in the ear drum is called a myringoplasty.  There are two ways the hole can be repaired. 

• Paper patch. A special paper is placed over the hole.   
• Fat patch. A small piece of fat from behind the ear is used to fill the hole.  

Your doctor will talk with you about the best procedure for your child.

What do I need to know before the surgery?

Do not give your child these medicines at least 2 weeks before surgery. They increase the chance of bleeding during and after surgery.

• Ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®, Pediaprofen®) 
• Naproxen
• Aspirin

You can give Tylenol as needed.  Do not stop any prescribed medicines without talking with your doctor.  If your child is put on any medicine other than an antibiotic before surgery, call our office.

• We try to schedule surgery as soon as possible. If you have not heard from us in 2 weeks, please call our office.
• Surgery is best done when your child is healthy.  If your child has signs of illness, call your child's doctor or nurse right away.  Surgery may be cancelled if your child is ill or has a fever.  Surgery can still be done if your child is on antibiotics for an ear infection.

What do I need to know after surgery?

What to expect:

There may be decreased hearing until the patch falls off.

Pain

Your child may have mild pain after surgery.  Every child copes with pain differently. Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 4 to 6 hours or Motrin every 6 hours as needed for pain.

Diet

• Your child may drink clear liquids when fully awake. 
• Start a normal diet when your child is hungry and ready to eat.

Follow up care

• If your child does not already have a post-op visit scheduled, call your doctor’s office. 
• Your child needs to be seen in the ENT Clinic in 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.
• The final results of surgery will not be able to be checked for up to 6 weeks after the surgery.

Bathing and swimming

• Follow strict water precautions with bathing and hair washing until the follow up appointment. 
• The doctor will tell you how to cover the ear during bathing. You may be told to use cotton or ear plugs.
• No swimming or other activities that would let water get in the ear.

Activity

• No bearing down or pushing that increases pressure in the ear, like when having a bowel movement. 
• No nose blowing for 2 weeks.  Try to hold the mouth open while sneezing.
• No strenuous sports.
• No air travel until cleared by your doctor.
• No brass, wind, or other instruments that require blowing.

ENT Clinic: 414-266-2982. After hours call 414-266-2000 ask to have the ENT doctor on call paged.

For more health and wellness information check out this resource: https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWi/en/parents