LESSON 1: Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat (EENT) Surgery

Section II: EAR SURGERY

1-23

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1-23. MYRINGOTOMY

a. General. Myringotomy is an incision through the tympanic membrane. This may be done when an inner ear infection produces pus that is causing undue pressure on the membrane. It may also be done to correct hearing loss due to fluids in the middle ear.

b. Preparation of the Operating Room. Sterile instruments are set up in accordance with local policy and the surgeon's preference. Non-instrument items in the setup include cotton-tipped applicators, cotton (for plugging the canal after surgery), and culture tubes.

c. Operative Procedure.

(1) Through microscopic visualization, the aural speculum is inserted in the canal. Using a sharp myringotomy knife, a small curved incision is made in the posteroinferior quadrant or the pars tensa, and the thickened membrane is cut.

 

(2) A culture is taken to determine the type of organisms present.

 

(3) Pus and fluids are suctioned out.

 

(4) A plastic tympanotomy tube prosthesis is usually put into place.

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