Getting Ready for Myringoplasty

How is the surgery done?

• The surgery is done through the ear canal under general anesthesia (completely asleep) or sedation. There is no incision behind the ear.
• It is often done at the same time as removing an ear tube that has stayed in the eardrum too long (a retained ear tube). Removing the tube leaves a hole, and the repair closes it.
• The edges of the hole are trimmed, and material is placed in the hole to help it seal.
• The repair uses dissolvable packing (such as Gelfoam), and sometimes a small piece of fat from your earlobe.

A hole in the eardrum, as seen through an ear scope. The repair closes the hole.

What are the risks?

Every surgery has risks. Your surgeon will go over them with you before surgery, and you can ask about any of them.

• Anesthesia is safe, but it has some risks. The anesthesia team can go over them with you. Tell us if anyone in your family has had a problem with anesthesia.
• Pain, bleeding and infection are risks of any surgery.
• Hearing loss. There is a small risk of hearing loss or worse hearing with any ear surgery.
• Dizziness may happen for several days after surgery.
• Cholesteatoma, a skin cyst behind the eardrum, is a small risk. It can cause long-lasting infections and hearing loss, sometimes years after surgery.
• The repair may not hold. The eardrum may not fully close, and surgery may need to be repeated. In a large review of studies, this happened in about 1 to 2 in 10 people, more often when the hole was large.

How do I get ready?

• As soon as surgery is scheduled

  • Give us a list of every medicine, vitamin and supplement you take. We will tell you which to stop and when.
  • If you smoke or vape, stop now. Stopping helps your body heal and makes anesthesia safer, and the earlier you stop, the better: aim for at least 4 weeks before surgery, though even 2 weeks helps. Stay off until your surgeon says you have healed.
  • Plan time off. Most people go back to work or school the next day.
  • Plan ahead for the limits afterward: no swimming, heavy lifting or strenuous activity until your surgeon clears you, usually at least 1 month.
  • Arrange for an adult to drive you home. After general anesthesia, we recommend having an adult stay with you the first night.

• 1 to 2 weeks before

  • You do not need to stop aspirin or a blood thinner for this surgery. Tell us if you take one.
  • Ask about herbal remedies and supplements, such as fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo or garlic pills, which can raise the chance of bleeding.
  • If you take insulin or other diabetes medicines, ask how to take them before surgery.
  • Get the supplies in the next section.

• The night before

  • Follow the eating and drinking instructions from our office or the surgery center exactly. If you eat or drink when you should not, surgery may need to be postponed for safety.
  • Many places ask for nothing to eat after midnight, and some allow clear liquids until a few hours before.
  • Take only the medicines we said to take that morning, with a small sip of water.
  • Get a good night’s sleep.

• The day of surgery

  • Wear comfortable clothes.
  • Wear glasses instead of contact lenses, and leave jewelry and valuables at home.
  • Bring your photo ID, insurance card and list of medicines.

What happens after surgery?

• Most people go home the same day and go back to work or school the next day.
• Until your surgeon clears you, usually at least 1 month: keep water out of the ear, do not blow your nose forcefully, sneeze with your mouth open, and avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity. This keeps the repair in place.
• Drainage from the ear is not expected. If your ear drains, call us.

The Myringoplasty Recovery Guide has everything you need after the procedure, including when to call us.

When should I call before surgery?