Myringotomy: Background, Indications Myringotomy Author: Brian Kip Reilly, MD; Chief Editor: Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA more... Share Overview Background Myringotomy is a surgical procedure of the eardrum or tympanic membrane. The procedure is performed by making a small incision with a myringotomy knife through the layers of tympanic membrane (see the image below). This surgical procedure permits direct access to the middle ear space and allows the release of middle-ear fluid, which is the end product of otitis media with effusion (OME), whether acute or chronic. OME is classified as serous, mucoid, or purulent. Myringotomy (radial incision). View Media Gallery The fluid is suctioned from the middle ear through the incision and, if indicated, sent for bacterial or viral cultures. Currently, bilateral myringotomy is often used in conjunction with placement of middle-ear ventilation tubes, which permits the incised drum to remain open and allows better drainage of middle-ear fluid. [ 1 ] This approach facilitates instillation of antibiotic otitic drops, and ultimately results in faster resolution of the OME.

[ 2 ] OME may spontaneously occur as a result of inadequate ventilation of the middle-ear space related to poor eustachian tube function or a persistent inflammatory response to acute otitis media (AOM). Additional contributors to the development of OME include the immaturity both of the infant or young child’s immune system and of the anatomy of the eustachian tube. The eustachian tube is the communication between the middle ear and the nasopharynx. Its function is to equalize pressure across the tympanic membrane. Contraction of the tensor veli palatini and the salpingopharyngeus outside of the tympanic cavity (middle ear) dilate and open the auditory tube. In children, the eustachian tube is shorter, more horizontally oriented, and less functionally mature, and these differences can predispose children to OME. Inflammation of the mucosa of the eustachian tube orifice (from conditions such as upper respiratory infection [URI] or allergy) and improper functioning of the eustachian tube musculature lead to negative middle-ear pressure.

Thus, when the eustachian tube opens, bacteria and viruses from the nasopharynx are drawn into the middle-ear space and generate an inflammatory response. OME has a strong correlation with URI. Children with craniofacial abnormalities that affect eustachian tube function (eg, Down syndrome and cleft palate) are at increased risk for otitis media. Immune deficiency should be suspected in children with OME that occurs in association with recurrent sinusitis, bronchitis , or gastrointestinal (GI) abnormalities. Other predisposing conditions include allergy, adenoid hypertrophy, ciliary dysfunction, and gastroesophageal reflux . OME may be seen in patients with prolonged nasal intubation or nasogastric tubes. [ 2 ] Relevant Anatomy The tympanic membrane is an oval, thin, semi-transparent membrane that separates the external and middle ear (tympanic cavity). The tympanic membrane is divided into 2 parts: the pars flaccida and the pars tensa. The manubrium of the malleus is firmly attached to the medial tympanic membrane; where the manubrium draws the tympanic membrane medially, a concavity is formed. The apex of this concavity is called the umbo.

The area of the tympanic membrane superior to the umbo is termed the pars flaccida; the remainder of the tympanic membrane is the pars tensa (see the image below). Tympanic membrane (TM): pars flaccida (superior to insertion manubrium) and pars tensa (remainder of TM). View Media Gallery The eustachian tube is the communication between the middle ear and the nasopharynx. Its function is to equalize pressure across the tympanic membrane. Contraction of the tensor veli palatini and the salpingopharyngeus outside of the tympanic cavity (middle ear) dilate and open the auditory tube. The image below depicts middle ear anatomy. Middle ear anatomy. Myringotomy and Ear Tubes | definition of Myringotomy and Ear Tubes by Medical dictionary Myringotomy and Ear Tubes | definition of Myringotomy and Ear Tubes by Medical dictionary Definition Myringotomy is a surgical procedure in which a small incision is made in the eardrum (the tympanic membrane), usually in both ears. The word comes from myringa, modern Latin for drum membrane, and tomē, Greek for cutting.

It is also called myringocentesis, tympanotomy, tympanostomy, or paracentesis of the tympanic membrane. Fluid in the middle ear can be sucked out through the incision. Ear tubes, or tympanostomy tubes, are small tubes, open at both ends, that are inserted into the incisions in the eardrums during myringotomy. They come in various shapes and sizes and are made of plastic, metal, or both. They are left in place until they fall out by themselves or until they are removed by a doctor. Purpose Myringotomy with the insertion of ear tubes is an optional treatment for inflammation of the middle ear with fluid collection (effusion), also called glue ear, that lasts more than three months (chronic otitis media with effusion) and does not respond to drug treatment. It is the recommended treatment if the condition lasts four to six months. Effusion is the collection of fluid that escapes from blood vessels or the lymphatic system. In this case, the fluid collects in the middle ear. Initially, acute inflammation of the middle ear with effusion is treated with one or two courses of antibiotics.

Antihistamines and decongestants have been used, but they have not been proven effective unless there is also hay fever or some other allergic inflammation that contributes to the problem. Myringotomy with or without the insertion of ear tubes is NOT recommended for initial treatment of otherwise healthy children with middle ear inflammation with effusion. In about 10% of children, the effusion lasts for three months or longer, when the disease is considered chronic. In children with chronic disease, systemic steroids may help, but the evidence is not clear, and there are risks. When medical treatment does not stop the effusion after three months in a child who is one to three years old, is otherwise healthy, and has hearing loss in both ears, myringotomy with insertion of ear tubes becomes an option. If the effusion lasts for four to six months, myringotomy with insertion of ear tubes is recommended. The purpose of myringotomy is to relieve symptoms, to restore hearing, to take a sample of the fluid to examine in the laboratory in order to identify any microorganisms present, or to insert ear tubes. Ear tubes can be inserted into the incision during myringotomy and left there. The eardrum heals around them, securing them in place.

They usually fall out on their own in 6-12 months or are removed by a doctor. While they are in place, they keep the incision from closing, keeping a channel open between the middle ear and the outer ear. This allows fresh air to reach the middle ear, allowing fluid to drain out, and preventing pressure from building up in the middle ear. The patient's hearing returns to normal immediately and the risk of recurrence diminishes. Parents often report that children talk better, hear better, are less irritable, sleep better, and behave better after myringotomy with the insertion of ear tubes. Description The procedure is usually done in an ambulatory surgical unit under general anesthesia, although some physicians do it in the office with sedation and local anesthesia, especially in older children. The ear is washed, a small incision made in the eardrum, the fluid sucked out, a tube inserted, and the ear packed with cotton to control bleeding. There has been an effort to design ear tubes that are easier to insert or to remove, and to design tubes that stay in place longer. Therefore, ear tubes come in various shapes and sizes. Preparation The child may not have food or water for four to six hours before anesthesia.

Antibiotics are usually not needed. Aftercare Use of antimicrobial drops is controversial. Water should be kept out of the ear canal until the eardrum is intact. A doctor should be notified if the tubes fall out. Risks Myringotomy Technique: Incision of Tympanic Membrane Technique Incision of Tympanic Membrane For adult patients, the procedure can be done in the outpatient setting with the use of phenol and topical lidocaine; young adolescents, children, and infants require brief general anesthesia. The patient’s head is tilted slightly toward the ear opposite the one undergoing myringotomy. The operative microscope is brought into the field and focused on the external auditory meatus. An appropriately sized speculum is carefully placed into the external auditory canal, and cerumen is removed so that the entire tympanic membrane can be visualized. Either the anteroinferior quadrant or the posteroinferior quadrant of the tympanic membrane is carefully incised with a myringotomy knife; the incision should be approximately 3-5 mm in length (see the image and the first video below).

Next, a 3-mm, 5-mm, or 7-mm tube is inserted and used to release the serous or mucoid effusion (see the second and third videos below). [ 5 ] Myringotomy (radial incision). References Alberti PW. Myringotomy and ventilating tubes in the 19th century. Laryngoscope. 1974 May. 84(5):805-15. [Medline] . Anil Lalwani. Current diagnosis & treatment in otolaryngology--head & neck surgery. 3rd. New York: Lange Medical Books/McGraw-Hill; 2004. Mandel EM, Rockette HE, Bluestone CD, Paradise JL, Nozza RJ. Efficacy of myringotomy with and without tympanostomy tubes for chronic otitis media with effusion. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1992 Apr. 11(4):270-7. [Medline] . Kenna MA. Otitis Media with Effusion. Bailey BJ JJ, Newlands SD. Head & Neck Surgery - Otolaryngology. 4th.

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2006. Isaacson G. Six Sigma tympanostomy tube insertion: achieving the highest safety levels during residency training. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2008 Sep. 139(3):353-7. [Medline] . Mair EA, Moss JR, Dohar JE, Antonelli PJ, Bear M, LeBel C. Randomized Clinical Trial of a Sustained-Exposure Ciprofloxacin for Intratympanic Injection During Tympanostomy Tube Surgery. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2015 Aug 20. [Medline] . Media Gallery Myringotomy with aspiration of mucoid fluid. Middle ear anatomy. Myringotomy and ear tube placement. Video courtesy of Hamid R Djalilian, MD. Myringotomy. Video courtesy of Hamid R Djalilian, MD. Tympanic membrane (TM): pars flaccida (superior to insertion manubrium) and pars tensa (remainder of TM).

of 7 Contributor Information and Disclosures Author Brian Kip Reilly, MD Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology and Pediatrics, Department of Otolaryngology, Children's National Medical Center, George Washington University School of Medicine Brian Kip Reilly, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA Professor of Otolaryngology, Dentistry, and Engineering, University of Colorado School of Medicine Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery , American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery , American Head and Neck Society Disclosure: Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant or trustee for: Cerescan;RxRevu;SymbiaAllergySolutions<br/>Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Symbia<br/>Received from Allergy Solutions, Inc for board membership; Received honoraria from RxRevu for chief medical editor; Received salary from Medvoy for founder and president; Received consulting fee from Corvectra for senior medical advisor; Received ownership interest from Cerescan for consulting; Received consulting fee from Essiahealth for advisor; Received consulting fee from Carespan for advisor; Received consulting fee from Covidien for consulting.

Acknowledgements Acknowledgments Medscape Reference thanks Hamid R Djalilian, MD, Associate Professor of Otolaryngology, Director of Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery, University of California Irvine Medical Center, for assistance with the video contribution to this article. Myringotomy | Eardoc Myringotomy Myringotomy (also reffered to as ear tube surgery) Myringotomy is a surgical procedure in which a small incision is made in the eardrum (the tympanic membrane), usually in both ears. The word comes from myringa, modern Latin for drum membrane, and tome, Greek for cutting. It is also called myringocentesis, tympanotomy, tympanostomy, or paracentesis of the tympanic membrane. Ear tubes, or tympanostomy tubes, ear tube surgery are small tubes, open at both ends, that are inserted into the incisions in the eardrums during myringotomy. They come in various shapes and sizes and are usually made of Silicone, Teflon, or both. They are left in place until they fall out by themselves or until they are removed by a doctor.

The cost of Myringotomy (ear tube surgery) — Ear tubes can help children (or adults) with constant ear infection by allowing the middle ear to drain fluid more easily. Average Cost: $2,800, sometimes covered by health insurance. Myringotomy with the insertion of ear tubes is an optional treatment for recurring inflammation of the middle ear with fluid collection (effusion), also called glue ear, that lasts more than three months (chronic otitis media with effusion) and does not respond to drug treatment. It is the recommended treatment if the condition lasts four to six months. Effusion is the collection of fluid that escapes from blood vessels or the lymphatic system. In this case, the fluid is accumulated in the middle ear. Using the EARDOC can prevent Myringotomy surgery, and costs only $55 compared to Myringotomy costs of $2,800. the Eardoc drains the fluids easily and naturally . Initially, acute inflammation of the middle ear with effusion is treated with one or two courses of antibiotics. Antihistamines and decongestants have been used, but they have not been proven effective unless there is also hay fever or some other allergic inflammation that contributes to the problem.

Myringotomy with or without the insertion of ear tubes is NOT recommended for initial treatment of otherwise healthy children with middle ear inflammation with effusion. In about 10% of children, the effusion lasts for three months or longer, when the disease is considered chronic. In children with chronic disease, systemic steroids may help, but the evidence is not clear, and there are risks. When medical treatment does not stop the effusion after three months in a child who is one to three years old, is otherwise healthy, and has hearing loss in both ears, myringotomy with insertion of ear tubes becomes an option. If the effusion lasts for four to six months, myringotomy with insertion of ear tubes is highly recommended. The purpose of myringotomy is to relieve symptoms, to restore hearing, to take a sample of the fluid to examine in the laboratory in order to identify any microorganisms present, or to insert ear tubes. Ear tubes can be inserted into the incision during myringotomy and left there. The eardrum heals around them, securing them in place. They usually fall out on their own in 6-12 months or are removed by a doctor.

While they are in place, they keep the incision from closing, keeping a channel open between the middle ear and the outer ear. This allows fresh air to reach the middle ear, allowing fluid to drain out, and preventing pressure from building up in the middle ear. The patient’s hearing returns to normal immediately and the risk of recurrence diminishes. Parents often report that children talk better, hear better, are less irritable, sleep better, and behave better after myringotomy with the insertion of ear tubes. The risks of myringotomy Myringotomy Insertion of Tube PreOp® Patient Education Feature - YouTube Myringotomy Insertion of Tube PreOp® Patient Education Feature Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. The interactive transcript could not be loaded. Loading... Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Uploaded on Jun 2, 2010 -or- -or- - Patient Education - Patient Education Company Patient ED @ 617-379-1582 INFO The human ear is made up of two chambers.

The inner ear and the middle ear. The middle ear is sealed off from the outside environment by the tympanic membrane - or eardrum. In a healthy ear, this membrane acts to protect the delicate interior of the ear from contamination. Occasionally, however, allergy, infection, or other irritation can cause a buildup of pus, blood and other fluids within the middle ear. In these cases, the seal created by the eardrum acts to prevent proper drainage and can actually pose a health risk. Symptoms can include pain - caused by the buildup of pressure - and even hearing loss. If left untreated the buildup of fluid can damage the delicate structures located behind the eardrum - leading to temporary or even permanent hearing loss. A myringotomy is a simple procedure in which a small tube is inserted into the eardrum in order to allow fluids to drain out of the middle, reducing pressure and allowing any infection to be treated with antibiotics. Patient Education Company On the day of your operation, you will be asked to put on a surgical gown. You may receive a sedative by mouth and an intravenous line may be put in. You will then be transferred to the operating table.

The surgeon will apply an antiseptic solution to the skin on the interior of the ear canal . . Patient Education and will then swab the area around the eardrum with a local anesthetic. While the anesthetic is taking effect, the surgeon will position a microscope in front of the ear. Patient Education Company When the operative field is numb, the surgeon will use the microscope to help make a very small incision in the lower part of the ear drum so that the fluid can drain harmlessly away. In most cases, one or more drainage tubes are left in place to continue to allow fluid to escape during healing. Sutures are not required, as the ear drum will heal naturally. And the drainage tube will either fall out by itself - or it will removed by the surgeon, one to three weeks later. Patient Education Company Following the procedure, you'll be moved then to a recovery area where you can relax until the sedation and anesthetic has worn off - and until the doctor is satisfied that you are fit to go home. Plan on spending several hours in recovery. Your doctor may be able to give you a more precise estimate prior to surgery.

Before you leave, you'll probably be prescribed a pain killer along with any other medication your doctor feels you need to take. Ear surgery only rarely leads to complications. There are three main risks. The first is excessive bleeding, caused by a defect or injury in the middle ear. The second potential complication is infection of the eardrum at the site of the incision. Finally, in rare cases, the damage to the ear can be permanent resulting in some hearing loss. Patient Education At home, you'll be responsible for keeping the ear dry and away from any environment, which would interfere with the healing process. You'll probably experience some pain during recovery and you may find that applying a warm compress or heating pad to the outer ear will provide some relief. As with all surgery, you should be alert for signs of infection near the incision - increased swelling, redness, bleeding or other discharge. Your doctor may advise you to be on the alert for other symptoms as well. If you experience any unusual symptoms, report them to your doctor right away. Before you leave, you'll be given discharge guidelines which may include diet, medication, work and other activity restrictions.

Patient Education You'll also make at least one follow-up appointment so that the doctor will be able to check the healing of the incision and/or to remove sutures. You'll also make at least one follow-up appointment so that the doctor will be able to check the healing of the incision and/or to remove sutures. This program has been designed to help you to understand a surgical procedure and to empower you to be an active participant in your own care. We hope that you take the time to discuss alternative treatments with your doctor and that you learn as much as you can about your own particular medical situation. We also want to make sure that you understand all the risks of surgery and potential complications which can follow - no matter how unlikely they may be. It's important that you understand exactly what the procedure entails - including the risks, benefits and alternative treatments - before you decide to proceed. Always remember that the final decision to go ahead or not is up to you. Category What Are Ear Tubes? Surgery for Toddlers, Adults Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S.

board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey. Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. Recurrent ear infections may require insertion of ear tubes. Ear tube placement involves a tiny incision in the ear drum. It is helpful to understand what to expect before, during, and after surgery. Ear tubes can have complications, it is important to follow of the doctor's directions following surgery.

Introduction The following information is provided to help you understand more clearly the associated benefits, risks, and complications of ear tube surgery. Ask your doctor any questions that you feel necessary to help you better understand the procedure. What is the purpose of ear tubes? Middle ear infections ( otitis media ) are common in children. When a child has repeated ear infections or fluid build-up in the ears that do not go away easily or there are hearing problems or speech delays, a doctor may recommend surgery to insert an ear tube to allow the eardrum to equalize the pressure. The surgery, called a myringotomy, is a tiny incision in the eardrum. Any fluid, usually thickened secretions will be removed. In most situations, a small plastic tube (a tympanostomy tube) is inserted into the eardrum to keep the middle ear aerated for a prolonged period of time. These ventilating tubes remain in place for six months to several years. Eventually, they will move out of the eardrum (extrude) and fall into the ear canal. Your doctor may remove the tube during a routine office visit or it may simply fall out of the ear.

Less common conditions that may call for the placement of ear tubes are malformation of the ear drum or Eustachian tube, Down's syndrome, cleft palate , and barotrauma (middle ear injury caused by a reduction of air pressure), according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 8/31/2016 Myringotomy and Ear Tubes - procedure, blood, removal, pain, adults, time, infection, operation Myringotomy and Ear Tubes Myringotomy and ear tubes Definition Myringotomy is a surgical procedure in which a small incision is made in the eardrum (the tympanic membrane), usually in both ears. The English word is derived from myringa, modern Latin for drum membrane, and tome, Greek for cutting. It is also called myringocentesis, tympanotomy, tympanostomy, or paracentesis of the tympanic membrane. Fluid in the middle ear can be drawn out through the incision. Ear tubes, or tympanostomy tubes, are small tubes open at both ends that are inserted into the incisions in the eardrums during myringotomy.

They come in various shapes and sizes and are made of plastic, metal, or both. They are left in place until they fall out by themselves or until they are removed by a doctor. Purpose Myringotomy with the insertion of ear tubes is an optional treatment for inflammation of the middle ear During a myringotomy, an incision is made into the ear drum, or tympanic membrane (B). The fluid in the ear canal is suctioned out (C), and a small tube is put in place to allow future drainage in the event of an infection (D). ( Illustration by GGS Inc. ) with fluid collection (effusion) that lasts longer than three months (chronic otitis media with effusion) and does not respond to drug treatment. This condition is also called glue ear. Myringotomy is the recommended treatment if the condition lasts four to six months. Effusion refers to the collection of fluid that escapes from blood vessels or the lymphatic system. In this case, the effusion collects in the middle ear. Initially, acute inflammation of the middle ear with effusion is treated with one or two courses of antibiotics .

Antihistamines and decongestants have been used, but they have not been proven effective unless there is also hay fever or some other allergic inflammation that contributes to the problem. Myringotomy with or without the insertion of ear tubes is not recommended for initial treatment of otherwise healthy children with middle ear inflammation with effusion. In about 10% of children, the effusion lasts for three months or longer, when the disease is considered chronic. In children with chronic disease, systemic steroids may help, but the evidence is not clear, and there are risks. When medical treatment doesn't stop the effusion after three months in a child who is one to three years old, is otherwise healthy, and has hearing loss in both ears, myringotomy with insertion of ear tubes becomes an option. If the effusion lasts for four to six months, myringotomy with insertion of ear tubes is recommended. The purpose of myringotomy is to relieve symptoms, to restore hearing, to take a sample of the fluid to examine in the laboratory in order to identify any microorganisms present, or to insert ear tubes. Ear tubes can be inserted into the incision during myringotomy and left there. The eardrum heals around them, securing them in place.

They usually fall out on their own in six to 12 months or are removed by a doctor. While the tubes are in place, they keep the incision from closing, keeping a channel open between the middle ear and the outer ear. This allows fresh air to reach the middle ear, allowing fluid to drain out, and preventing pressure from building up in the middle ear. The patient's hearing returns to normal immediately and the risk of recurrence diminishes. Demographics In the United States, myringotomy and tube placement have become a mainstay of treatment for recurrent otitis media in children. An article published in the March 1998 Consumer Reports stated that the " … number of myringotomies has risen nearly 250 percent in recent years, making the operation the sixth most common operation in the United States." According to the New York University School of Medicine, myringotomy and tube placement is the most common surgical procedure performed in children as of 2003, largely because otitis media is the most common reason for children to be taken to a doctor's office.

Myringotomy in adults is a less common procedure than in children, primarily because adults benefit from certain changes in the anatomy of the middle ear that occur after childhood. In particular, the adult ear is less likely to accumulate fluid because the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the throat area, lies at about a 45-degree angle from the horizontal. This relatively steep angle means that the force of gravity helps to keep fluids from the throat containing disease organisms out of the middle ear. In children, however, the Eustachian tube is only about 10 degrees above the horizontal, which makes it relatively easy for disease organisms to migrate from the nose and throat into the inner ear. Myringotomies in adults are usually performed as a result of barotrauma that is also known as pressure-related ear pain or barotitis media. Barotrauma refers to earache caused by unequal air pressure on the inside and outside of the eardrum. Adults with very narrow Eustachian tubes may experience barotrauma in relation to scuba diving, using elevators, or frequent flying. A myringotomy with tube insertion may be performed if the condition is not helped by decongestants or antibiotics.

Most myringotomies in children are performed in children between one and two years of age. One Canadian study found that the number of myringotomies performed was 12.8 per thousand for children 11 months old or younger; 54.2 per thousand for children between 12 and 23 months old; and 11.1 per thousand for children between three and 15 years old. Sex and race do not appear to affect the number of myringotomies in any age group, although boys are reported to have a slightly higher rate of ear infections than girls. Description When a conventional myringotomy is performed, the ear is washed, a small incision made in the eardrum, the fluid sucked out, a tube inserted, and the ear packed with cotton to control bleeding. Recent developments include the use of medical acupuncture to control pain during the procedure, and the use of carbon dioxide lasers to perform the myringotomy itself. Laser-assisted myringotomy can be performed in a doctor's office with only a local anesthetic.

It has several advantages over the older technique: it is less painful; less frightening to children; and minimizes the need for tube insertion because the hole in the eardrum produced by the laser remains open longer than an incision done with a scalpel. Another technique to keep the incision in the eardrum open without the need for tube insertion is application of a medication called mitomycin C, which was originally developed to treat bladder cancer. The mitomycin prevents the incision from sealing over. As of 2003, however, this approach is still in its experimental stages. There has also been an effort to design ear tubes that are easier to insert or to remove, and to design tubes that stay in place longer. As of 2003, ear tubes come in various shapes and sizes. Diagnosis/Preparation The diagnosis of otitis media is based on the doctor's visual examination of the patient's ear and the patient's symptoms. Patients with otitis media complain of earache and usually have a fever, sometimes as high as 105°F (40.5°C). There may or may not be loss of hearing. Small children may have nausea and vomiting.

When the doctor looks in the ear with an otoscope, the patient's eardrum will look swollen and may bulge outward. The doctor can evaluate the presence of fluid in the middle ear either by blowing air into the ear, known as insufflation, or by tympanometry, which is an indirect measurement of the mobility of the eardrum. If the eardrum has already ruptured, there may be a watery, bloody, or pus-streaked discharge. Fluid removed from the ear can be taken to a laboratory for culture. The most common bacteria that cause otitis media are Pneumococcus , Haemophilus influenzae , and Moraxella catarrhalis . Some cases are caused by viruses, particularly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). A child scheduled for a myringotomy should not have food or water for four to six hours before anesthesia. Antibiotics are usually not needed. If local anesthesia is used, a cream containing lidocaine and prilocaine is applied to the ear canal about 30 minutes before the myringotomy. If medical acupuncture is used for pain control, the acupuncture begins about 40 minutes before surgery and is continued during the procedure.

Aftercare The use of antimicrobial drops is controversial. Water should be kept out of the ear canal until the eardrum is intact. A doctor should be notified if the tubes fall out. Risks Myringotomy - definition of myringotomy by The Free Dictionary Myringotomy - definition of myringotomy by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Thesaurus , Medical , Wikipedia . myringotomy (Surgery) surgery a surgical incision of the eardrum, usually to relieve pressure or release fluid myringotomy Making an incision in eardrum to release fluid trapped inside. ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend: Noun 1. myringotomy - surgical incision into the eardrum (to relieve pressure or release pus from the middle ear) surgical operation , surgical procedure , surgical process , surgery , operation - a medical procedure involving an incision with instruments; performed to repair damage or arrest disease in a living body; "they will schedule the operation as soon as an operating room is available"; "he died while undergoing surgery" Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us , add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content .

Link to this page: surgical process References in periodicals archive ? A myringotomy was initially performed for drainage of the effusion; this did not result in any significant improvement in hearing. Diagnostic imaging of peripheral vestibular disease in a Chinese goose (Ansev cygnoides) In the absence of CC, Luc's abscess can be easily treated by limited surgical procedures either by pus drainage through an incision in the superior part of the external auditory meatus or through retroauricular incision combined with myringotomy and grommet insertion [7, 8]. Critical care procedures & equipment Treatment for childhood CHL may involve medical and surgical management, ranging from myringotomy and ventilation tube (grommet) insertion for persistent middle-ear effusions, tympanomastoidectomy for cholesteatoma with recon-struction of the ossicular chain, to bone-anchored hearing systems for congenital aural atresia. Identification and management of childhood hearing loss: most cases of hearing loss in children are not associated with syndromes Recovery characteristics of sevoflurane and halothane in preschoolaged children undergoing bilateral myringotomy and pressure equalization tube insertion.

Surgical operation - definition of surgical operation by The Free Dictionary Surgical operation - definition of surgical operation by The Free Dictionary Related to surgical operation: surgical strike ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend: Noun 1.

surgical operation - a medical procedure involving an incision with instruments; performed to repair damage or arrest disease in a living body; "they will schedule the operation as soon as an operating room is available"; "he died while undergoing surgery" ablation , cutting out , extirpation , excision - surgical removal of a body part or tissue amputation - a surgical removal of all or part of a limb angioplasty - an operation to repair a damaged blood vessel or unblock a coronary artery arthroplasty - surgical reconstruction or replacement of a malformed or degenerated joint arthroscopy - a minimally invasive operation to repair a damaged joint; the surgeon examines the joint with an arthroscope while making repairs through a small incision brain surgery - any surgical procedure involving the brain castration - surgical removal of the testes or ovaries (usually to inhibit hormone secretion in cases of breast cancer in women or prostate cancer in men); "bilateral castration results in sterilization" cauterisation , cauterization , cautery - the act of coagulating blood and destroying tissue with a hot iron or caustic agent or by freezing chemosurgery - use of chemical to destroy diseased or malignant tissue; used in treatment of skin cancer crani

otomy - a surgical opening through the skull cryosurgery - the use of extreme cold (usually liquid nitrogen) to destroy unwanted tissue (warts or cataracts or skin cancers) curettage , curettement - surgery to remove tissue or growths from a bodily cavity (as the uterus) by scraping with a curette debridement - surgical removal of foreign material and dead tissue from a wound in order to prevent infection and promote healing decortication - removal of the outer covering of an organ or part D and C , dilatation and curettage , dilation and curettage - a surgical procedure usually performed under local anesthesia in which the cervix is dilated and the endometrial lining of the uterus is scraped with a curet; performed to obtain tissue samples or to stop prolonged bleeding or to remove small tumors or to remove fragments of placenta after childbirth or as a method of abortion electrosurgery - surgery performed with electrical devices (as in electrocautery) enterostomy , enterotomy - surgical operation that creates a permanent opening through the abdominal wall into the intestine enucleation - surgical removal of something without cutting into it; "the enucleation of the tumor" wrong-site surgery - a surgical operation performed on the wrong part of

 the body evisceration - surgical removal of an organ (or the contents of an organ) from a patient exenteration - surgical removal of the organs within a body cavity (as those of the pelvis) eye operation , eye surgery - any surgical procedure involving the eyes fenestration - surgical procedure that creates a new fenestra to the cochlea in order to restore hearing lost because of osteosclerosis gastrectomy - surgical removal of all or part of the stomach gastroenterostomy - surgical creation of an opening between the stomach wall and the small intestines; performed when the normal opening has been eliminated gastrostomy - surgical creation of an opening through the abdominal wall into the stomach (as for gastrogavage) heart surgery - any surgical procedure involving the heart haemorrhoidectomy , hemorrhoidectomy - surgical procedure for tying hemorrhoids and excising them haemostasia , haemostasis , hemostasia , hemostasis - surgical procedure of stopping the flow of blood (as with a hemostat) hysterotomy - surgical incision into the uterus (as in cesarean section) implantation - a surgical procedure that places something in the human body; "the implantation of radioactive pellets in the prostate gland" surgical inc

ision , incision , section - the cutting of or into body tissues or organs (especially by a surgeon as part of an operation) intestinal bypass - surgical operation that shortens the small intestine; used in treating obesity jejunostomy - surgical creation of an opening between the jejunum and the anterior abdominal wall; will allow artificial feeding major surgery - any surgical procedure that involves anesthesia or respiratory assistance microsurgery - surgery using operating microscopes and miniaturized precision instruments to perform intricate procedures on very small structures minor surgery - any surgical procedure that does not involve anesthesia or respiratory assistance myotomy - surgical incision or division of a muscle myringectomy - surgical removal of the eardrum myringoplasty - surgical repair of a perforated eardrum with a tissue graft myringotomy - surgical incision into the eardrum (to relieve pressure or release pus from the middle ear) neurosurgery - any surgery that involves the nervous system (brain or spinal cord or peripheral nerves) Definition of Myringotomy Definition of Myringotomy Causes of a Heart Attack Slideshow Myringotomy: A surgically placed tiny incision in the eardrum.

Any fluid behind the eardrum can then drain and usually thickened secretions can be removed. A small plastic ear tube (a tympanostomy tube) is often inserted into the eardrum to keep the middle ear aerated for a prolonged period of time. These ventilating tubes usually remain in place for 6 months to several years. Eventually, most of these tubes will move out of the eardrum (extrude) and fall into the ear canal. Last Editorial Review: 6/9/2016

Question: A myringotomy is an incision in what part of the human body?
Answer: Eardrum