Myringoplasty: Before Your Surgery

Myringoplasty is surgery to repair a hole in the eardrum. The eardrum is at the end of the ear canal. The surgery can repair a damaged eardrum, stop frequent ear infections, and improve hearing. During surgery, you may be given general anesthesia (this makes you go to sleep) or local anesthesia with sedation (this numbs the area and relaxes you).

The surgery is usually done through the opening of the ear canal. Sometimes the surgery is done through a cut (incision) behind your ear. It takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on how large the hole in your ear drum is. It can be done in a hospital or an outpatient clinic.

Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery. Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.

• Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your surgery. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.
• If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, ask your doctor if you should stop taking it before your surgery. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do. These medicines increase the risk of bleeding.
• Don’t smoke, vape, or use other tobacco and nicotine products. These things increase surgery risks. Your doctor may require that you quit for a period of time before and after surgery. You have the best chance for a healthy recovery if you quit completely. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about quit programs and medicines.
• Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance directive. If you don’t have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It’s a good thing to have before any type of procedure or surgery.
• Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.

• Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your surgery may be canceled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of the surgery, take them with only a sip of water.
• Take a bath or shower before you come in for your surgery. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.
• Remove all jewelry, piercings, and contact lenses.

• Bring a picture ID.
• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
• You will be kept comfortable and safe by your anesthesia provider. The anesthesia may make you sleep. Or it may just numb the area being worked on.