Incision and paracentesis of the tympanic membrane. Indications and consequences
The ear is an extremely delicate organ. The level of hearing depends on the condition of its elements. Clinical situations may arise when a puncture or incision is required in the ear. Myringotomy is a small incision in the center of the eardrum, which is performed in a medical institution by a qualified otolaryngologist. A more gentle option is a puncture of the eardrum, which is also called paracentesis.
The eardrum is a structure in the form of a thin connective tissue film (membrane) that separates the middle and inner ear. It:
- transmits sound vibrations to the inner ear;
- serves as a barrier that prevents foreign bodies from entering the inner ear.
The eardrum is normally impermeable. Therefore, it not only prevents foreign objects from entering the inner ear, but also prevents its pathological discharge, which accumulates in various diseases.
To free the inner ear from pathological contents, a puncture or incision of the eardrum is performed. Thanks to this small and technically simple manipulation, the patient's condition improves significantly. It can be performed both in the dressing or manipulation room of a hospital and in the office of a polyclinic.
Indications for tympanic membrane puncture and incision
Paracentesis and tympanic membrane myringotomy are most often performed in the following pathological conditions of the inner ear
- accumulation of serous effusion, which is formed as a result of inflammation
- blood discharge;
- progression of inflammation and pus formation.
Such conditions are observed in different types of otitis media. A single performance of one of these two manipulations leads to significant relief of the patient's condition and then to his recovery.
Paracentesis of the tympanic membrane is indicated in the presence of clinical symptoms from the ear and other structures, for example, in case of signs of irritation of the meninges.
An incision of the tympanic membrane is performed if the puncture is ineffective or inefficient, which is the case in the following cases
- There is too much pathological discharge in the inner ear cavity and a small hole is not enough to evacuate it;
- due to the specificity of tissues, the hole in the tympanic membrane is quickly tightened, and the inner ear does not have time to be freed from pathological contents.
If the procedure was performed correctly, the hole in the eardrum after a puncture or incision will close in a few days without any consequences for hearing. Therefore, the patient should not worry about the integrity of the eardrum.
Consequences of tympanic membrane puncture and incision
The described manipulations are harmless procedures. After they are performed, the patient can return to the usual rhythm of life almost immediately. However, in some cases, the following consequences may develop after tympanic membrane paracentesis or its incision
- Hearing loss - if the inner ear structures are affected during the manipulation;
- ear bleeding - if local blood vessels are affected;
- relapse of the disease - in particular, suppuration if the sanitation was not fully performed during the puncture or incision;
- scarring changes in the eardrum - if the procedure was ineffective and was repeated.
Patients are advised to seek help from well-known clinics whose specialists have extensive experience in performing such manipulations.
Tympanic membrane puncture in children
In childhood, pathological discharge in the inner ear accumulates faster than in adults. Therefore, tympanic membrane puncture in case of otitis media in a child should be performed immediately, without waiting for the symptoms to increase, as delaying even for 1-2 days can lead to negative consequences for the health of the ear.
This is due to the peculiarities of the eardrum structure in children. Compared to adults, it is
- thicker
- more dense
- more resistant to spontaneous breakthrough (spontaneous hole formation).
Because of these characteristics, spontaneous drainage of the inner ear (release of contents) occurs infrequently in childhood. Only tympanic membrane paracentesis in children can relieve them of the accumulation of secretions in the inner ear.
Despite the fact that the tympanic membrane is thicker, its puncture or incision is technically simple. More difficulties arise due to the child's emotional reaction. Therefore, an otolaryngologist who performs an incision or puncture of the eardrum should also be a psychologist.
On our website https://dobrobut.com you can find out more details about possible consequences of eardrum puncture and other nuances.
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