Tympanoplasty is a surgery to repair the eardrum or the space behind it. This surgery helps fix damage to the ear caused by a birth defect, infection, trauma, or other disease.
During the surgery, the surgeon places a tissue patch to help close the hole in the eardrum. To do this, the surgeon makes a small incision either behind, in front of, or above your ear.
Incision Care
Keep the incision behind the ear dry for 48 hours. After 48 hours, clean the incision by rinsing and gently patting the skin with soap and water.
Do not scrub the incision for 2 weeks after surgery, or as directed by your surgeon at discharge.
Water must be kept out of the ear until advised by your doctor. When showering, use a Vaseline covered cotton ball to keep the ear canal dry.
There will be packing material in your child’s ear that may cause decreased hearing for several weeks. Your child may notice a “popping” feeling/sound as packing material dissolves and their hearing may vary.
Drainage
You may notice bloody drainage from your child’s ear for up to 2 weeks. A gauze dressing may cover the ear. You will be told when to remove the dressing.
After the dressing is off, use a cotton ball if drainage continues. Change it as needed. Once the ear is no longer draining, stop using the cotton ball.
Pain
Your child may have temporary soreness or stiffness in the jaw. Your child may also have some pain in the ear. Use pain medicine as directed.
Sleep
Do not let your child lay flat in bed for the next 48 hours. Use at least 2 pillows to raise their head 30 degrees. Your child should not lay on the treated side until your doctor approves.
Restless sleep or nightmares may occur for a couple of weeks.
Restrictions
Avoid quick head movements.
No sports, jogging, swimming, aerobics, heavy exercise or lifting over 25 pounds for 4 weeks.
Your child may feel dizzy for about a week.
No blowing the nose for 1 week. After 1 week, your child can gently blow their nose one side at a time to avoid pressure on the ears.
Your child should keep their mouth open when sneezing or coughing for 1 week.
Diet
Some taste changes are common.
Travel
No air travel for 4-6 weeks until approved by your child’s doctor. No driving (if old enough) while taking any pain medicine.
Follow up Visits
Your child will have a follow up visit in 4 weeks. If your child needs the packing removed, we will call to schedule another clinic visit.
Your child will have a hearing test and exam about 3 months after surgery. The doctor will talk with you about your child’s progress and answer any questions.
When to Call
Call the clinic right away if you notice:
Bleeding that soaks gauze dressing in 10 minutes or less
Fever over 102
Sudden dizziness
Big change in hearing
Signs of infection
Swelling
Increased redness
Increased pain
Pus-like drainage
Who to Call
If your child was seen for their pre-op appointment in the Pediatric ENT Clinic in Madison at the American Family Children’s Hospital, please call (608) 915-0470, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.
If your child was seen for their pre-op appointment in the Pediatric ENT Clinic in Rockford at the Women and Children’s Hospital, please call (779) 696-8499, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
If your child was seen for their pre-op appointment at 1 S. Park ENT, please call 608-287-2500, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.
After hours, weekends or holidays, please call the Madison/American Family Children’s Hospital phone number. This number will give you the paging operator. Ask for the otolaryngology (ENT) doctor on call. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
The toll-free number is 1-800-323-8942.