Myringotomy

出自KMU Wiki

Myringotomy (Ear Tube Insertion Surgery)

Myringotomy is a surgical procedure in which a tiny incision is made in the eardrum. Then, small tubes made out of plastic or metal, called tympanostomy tubes, are inserted into the incision and the fluid behind the eardrum in the middle ear is suctioned out. These tubes provide a temporary extra eustachian tube and can relieve the pressure inside the middle ear, which could have been caused by an excessive build-up of fluid or pus. The ear tubes also ventilate the area behind the eardrum. However, this surgery is very common (more than half a million are performed each year) and relatively low-risk. In addition, the presence of this tiny hole in the eardrum (from the tube) does not impair hearing.

Myringotomy is a form of treatment for otitis media, an inflammation of the middle ear. When the middle ear becomes inflamed, the eardrum bulges and sometimes, large amount of fluid or pus can accumulate in the cavity. However, most ear infections can be resolved on their own or treated by antibiotics so surgery is not the first choice of treatment. A myringotomy is recommended when ear inflections and or the presence of fluid in the middle ear becomes a chronic problem and leads to other issues like hearing loss, behavior, speech, and balance problems, or changes in the eardrum structure. Following the procedure, a patient can experience restoration of hearing loss, improved speech, balance, behavior, and sleep problems, and reduced risk of future ear infections. Usually, hearing loss caused by the presence of fluid in the middle ear is immediately resolved by this procedure.

There are two types of ear tubes: short term and long term. Short term tubes are smaller and will stay in place for about six months to a year before falling out on its own. Long term tubes are larger and have flanges that secure them in place for a longer period of time. These tubes may fall out on their own but in most cases, they need to be removed by a doctor. Though ear tubes are effective in reducing the risk of future ear infections, they are not always a permanent cure for otitis media. Studies have shown that up to 25% of children who need ear tubes before they are two years old may need them again.

Cook, Steven P. "Middle Ear Infections and Ear Tube Surgery." KidsHealth. June 2006. Nemours Foundation. 23 October 2006. <http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/medical/ears/ear_infections.html>

“Doctor, Please Explain Ear Tubes.” American Academy of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery. 2006. 23 October 2006. <http://www.entnet.org/healthinfo/ears/Ear-Tubes.cfm>

Green, Alan. "Ear Tube Surgery for Ear Infections." Dr. Greene.com. 1 April 1996. 23 October 2006. <http://www.drgreene.com/21_550.html>