Myringotomy

A surgical incision in the TYMPANIC MEMBRANE (eardrum) to allow fluid in the middle EAR to drain out. Fluid in the middle ear is a key symptom of OTITIS media (middle ear infection). The buildup of pressure causes considerable PAIN and can cause the tympanic membrane to perforate (tear or rupture). When otitis media is chronic or recurrent, the surgeon places a tympanostomy tube in the incision to retain a pathway for drainage to continue. The tube is very small and generally falls out within several months, then the opening in the tympanic membrane heals closed. The OPERATION is a same-day surgery done under general anesthetic, and usually takes no longer than 20 minutes per ear. Recovery is rapid.