Surgical procedure done to correct a rupture or other damage to the eardrum (tymoanic membrane). The surgeon will make a cut behind the ear or inside the ear canal. Depending on what needs to be done, the surgeon:

-Clean out any infection or dead tissue in the eardrum or middle ear.

-Place a patch on the eardrum with a piece of the patient’s own tissue taken from a vein or muscle sheath (this is called a tympanoplasty).

This procedure will usually take 2 to 3 hours.

-Repair minor holes in the eardrum by placing either gel or special paper over the eardrum ( this is called a myringoplasty).

This procedure will usually take 10 to 30 minutes.

The surgeon will use an operating microscope to view and repair the eardrum.