Tympanoplasty (say "tim-PAN-oh-plass-tee") is surgery to repair a hole in the eardrum. It may be done to improve hearing or to stop frequent ear infections that did not get better with other treatments.
Your child will get medicine to fall asleep or feel relaxed during the surgery. The surgery is usually done through the opening of the ear canal. Sometimes the surgery is done through a cut (incision) behind the ear. The doctor may use a small piece of tissue taken from behind your child's ear to patch the hole in the eardrum. Or the doctor may use an artificial graft to patch the hole. If your child had an incision behind the ear, the doctor will close it with stitches.
Your child will probably go home from the hospital on the same day of the surgery. Most children are able to go back to school or their normal routine in about 1 to 2 days. But they should not play hard or do things like sports for about 3 weeks.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
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