There is a wide range of surgical procedures that may be indicated to solve different pathologies that affect the ear during childhood, but by far the most frequent surgery is the one that treats middle ear problems, i.e. the tympanic box where the ossicles chain is located (hammer, anvil and stirrup) as well as very important neurovascular structures in close contact with the meninges and the middle cerebral fossa. All this space requires ventilation and this depends on the Eustachian tube that communicates the middle ear with the most posterior part of the nose, the rhinopharynx or cavum.
Doctor Angel Olmo Romero, specialist in Otorhinolaryngology, explains that when there is a poor function of this ventilation is when problems begin to appear, ranging from acute, chronic or persistent otitis media with repercussions on the auditory level and language.
When is it necessary to drain the ears?
First of all, it is not only a question of draining the ear. In many cases, the tympanic membrane is very retracted and even adhered to the bottom of the tympanic cavity in an area called the promontory, resulting in what is called atelectasis. In the framework of this, the ossicular chain can suffer a deficit in its nutrition producing lysis or necrosis of part of the ossicles. The correction of these defects is fundamental in addition to guaranteeing the drainage or ventilation of the ear.
Duration of the surgery?
The surgical time in the hands of an experienced specialist is very short, ranging from 5 to 10 minutes for each ear in the case of performing only a myringotomy and placement of individually adapted transtympanic prosthesis. If it is necessary to treat a more complicated disorder associated with the evolution of chronic otitis media, the surgical time can be extended even 1 or 2 hours.
Recovery process
Recovery after myringotomy surgery and placement of transtympanic tubes is practically immediate, allowing the patient to return to normal life and school the day after the operation.
What is the postoperative period like?
No special care is required after the operation. Only some caution should be taken during water activities, being recommended in some cases the use of custom-made silicone plugs.