Myringotomy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Myringotomy is a surgical procedure in which a tiny incision is created in the eardrum, so as to relieve pressure caused by the excessive buildup of fluid, or to drain pus. Myringotomy is often performed as a treatment for otitis media. Before the invention of antibiotics, myringotomy was the main treatment of severe acute otitis media.
The eardrum, also called the tympanic membrane, ordinarily heals within two weeks or so of a myringotomy - unless a tube is inserted into the opening that was made or unless the opening is made with a laser. Depending on the design of the tube, a myringotomy and tube procedure can allow external ventilation of the middle ear space for weeks, months or even years. Myringotomy with tube insertion is performed for the relief of otitis media. Although this very brief microsurgical procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, without the need for a general anaesthetic in co-operative adults, children require a short general anesthetic for tube insertion.
