Myringotomy in Panama.
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What is myringotomy?
This is a transtympanic surgical procedure performed in order to drain fluids or liquids that may accumulate in the tympanic cavity. Myringotomy provides a solution for patients who have an accumulation of mucus, blood, pus or any other fluid that affects their hearing.
The surgery helps to drain the patient’s tympanic cavity and, at the same time, to release pressure from the area and eliminate the infection.
In some cases, the incision over the tympanic membrane is accompanied by the implementation of small tubes that allow continuous drainage.
Myringotomy surgical technique.
As mentioned at the beginning, myringotomy is a surgical procedure that, although quick and outpatient, must be performed by an expert physician with the appropriate technique.
It starts by cleaning the affected ear area. The entire tympanic area and the external auditory canal must be disinfected to avoid major complications. Local anesthesia is used. However, total numbing may be recommended in children.
Upon completion of the above steps, the surgery is performed. The physician may use vision instruments, such as a microscope, to clearly observe the incision site.
With a small needle, the tympanic cavity is perforated and any fluids that may be inside are suctioned out. In other cases, it is decided to place a transtympanic drainage tube temporarily or permanently, depending on the physician’s considerations.
The surgery lasts approximately 10 to 20 minutes and does not require hospitalization, so the patient can return to his normal routine at the end.
How to prepare for this surgery?
The doctor will probably recommend some tests before performing the myringotomy, such as: blood tests, tympanogram and physical examinations of the ear including a hearing test.
In addition, discontinuation of anti-inflammatory medications will be recommended. The ENT specialist should be informed about the medications the patient is taking so that they can make recommendations that will favor the surgery.
Finally, patient is asked not to eat or drink for at least eight hours prior to surgery.
Side effects of myringotomy.
Before talking about the side effects, you should be aware that these are isolated cases. That is to say, it is rare for any of these side effects to occur, although the risk does exist.
- Eardrum perforation during insertion. There is a 1% chance of this happening.
- Infection.
- Obstruction of the tube, this would cause the symptoms to reappear.
- Chronic otitis.
- Weakness of the tympanic membrane.
- Fixation of the tube inside the tympanic box, which makes its removal difficult.
Risks must be considered in order to maintain a good care after the surgery. Likewise, it is necessary to trust the doctor who performs this treatment in order to minimize the risks of this surgery.
Frequently asked questions.
Is myringotomy painful?
No, anesthesia is applied in the process to avoid pain. Once it wears off, you may feel a slight discomfort in the area which may be minimized compared to the relief felt when the fluids are drained from the ear.
What is myringotomy's success rate?
It is a safe and effective surgery to treat problems of infection or impossibility of expulsion, where fluids accumulate inside the eardrum. The success rate of this treatment, in both adults and children, is high since it manages to solve the problem without further complications.
What is the necessary recovery time after myringotomy?
There is no specific recovery time. It will depend on each case and the care that the patient takes.
The patient should avoid getting the ear wet to prevent dead tissue from blocking the tube, as well as keeping regular appointments with the physician to evaluate the progress of the treatment.
The tympanic drainage tube can remain in the patient's ear for 4 to 9 months in order to improve the condition of the Eustachian tubes. Another option is to leave this tube in a fixed way, following the doctor's care and recommendations.
Testimonials from Dr. Lech
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2022-06-21
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2022-05-19
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2022-05-19
Buen Dia
Esperando todo se encuentren bien.-
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2022-04-25
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