Ear surgery

Surgery to insert ear grommets, also known as tympanostomy tubes, is a common procedure used to treat persistent ear infections or fluid buildup in the middle ear, especially in children. Grommets are tiny tubes that are placed through the eardrum to help drain fluid and allow air to enter the middle ear. This can relieve pressure, improve hearing, and reduce the frequency of ear infections. The procedure is typically recommended when ear infections are frequent or when fluid in the ear doesn’t clear up on its own, leading to hearing problems or discomfort. The surgery is usually quick and is often done under general anaesthesia, so the patient (usually a child) is asleep and won’t feel anything during the procedure. The surgeon makes a small incision in the eardrum to place the grommet, which stays in place for several months. Over time, the grommet usually falls out on its own as the eardrum heals, although sometimes it needs to be removed by a doctor. Recovery from the surgery is typically very fast, with most children returning to normal activities within a day. Grommets can make a big difference in improving hearing and preventing further ear problems.

Myringoplasty is a surgical procedure used to repair perforations or holes in the tympanic membrane, also known as the eardrum. These perforations can occur due to infections, trauma, or previous surgeries and may lead to symptoms like hearing loss, ear infections, and discharge. The goal of myringoplasty is to close the perforation and restore the integrity of the eardrum, which can help improve hearing and prevent recurrent ear infections. In recent years, an endoscopic approach has been developed to enhance the effectiveness and precision of the surgery. Using a small "camera" or endoscope, the surgeon can access the middle ear through the ear canal, allowing for a minimally invasive procedure with a clearer view of the eardrum and surrounding structures.

During myringoplasty, the surgeon often uses a graft, typically made from the patient's own tissue, to patch the hole in the eardrum. If the perforation has also damaged the small bones inside the ear (the ossicles), the surgeon may need to repair or reconstruct these bones in the same procedure to further improve the patient's hearing. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, meaning the patient is asleep and feels no pain. Most myringoplasty procedures are done on an outpatient basis, allowing the patient to go home the same day. Recovery is usually quick, with most people returning to normal activities within a few days, although they may need to avoid getting water in the ear or flying for some time to ensure proper healing.

Tympanomastoidectomy is a surgical procedure that treats chronic ear infections and other conditions affecting the middle ear and mastoid bone, which is located just behind the ear. The mastoidectomy, which involves removing infected or damaged cells from the mastoid bone, is often necessary when an ear infection has spread to the mastoid bone or when a cholesteatoma (a non-cancerous growth) has developed in the middle ear. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, meaning the patient is asleep and won’t feel any pain. During the procedure, the surgeon accesses the ear through an incision behind the ear or through the ear canal, carefully removing the infected tissue and reconstructing the eardrum if needed. The goal is to eliminate the infection, prevent it from returning, and improve hearing. Recovery usually involves some discomfort and temporary hearing loss, but most people can return to their normal activities within a couple of weeks. Tympanomastoidectomy can significantly improve ear health and prevent serious complications from chronic infections.

Canalplasty is a surgical procedure used to treat ear canal exostosis, also known as "surfer's ear." This condition occurs when bony growths develop in the ear canal, usually due to repeated exposure to cold water and wind, which irritates the bone and causes it to thicken over time. These growths can gradually narrow the ear canal, leading to problems like water trapping, frequent ear infections, and reduced hearing. Canalplasty involves removing these bony growths to widen the ear canal, improve hearing, and prevent future infections.

The surgery is typically performed under  general anaesthesia, so the patient is comfortable and doesn’t feel pain. During canalplasty, the surgeon makes a small incision behind or within the ear to access the ear canal, and then carefully uses tiny instruments or a drill to remove the excess bone. The procedure usually takes one to two hours, and most patients can go home the same day. After the surgery, some discomfort or swelling is expected, but this usually subsides within a few days. Canalplasty can provide significant relief by restoring the ear canal’s normal size, allowing for better drainage and reducing the risk of infections and hearing problems associated with surfer's ear.

Surgery for the excision of small ear tumours involves removing abnormal growths that can develop on the outer ear, ear canal, or middle ear. These tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and may cause symptoms like pain, hearing loss, or noticeable lumps. The purpose of the surgery is to remove the tumour completely while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible to maintain ear function. The procedure is typically performed under local or general anaesthesia, depending on the tumour’s size and location. The surgeon carefully removes the tumour through a small incision, either in the ear or behind it, and may send the tissue to a lab to determine whether it is benign or malignant. Recovery from the surgery is usually straightforward, with mild discomfort that can be managed with pain relief. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days. Removing these tumours early helps prevent them from growing larger or causing more serious complications.