My 12 year old daughter has had tubes in both ears before she was eight she
continues to have ear infection problems. Recently she was diagnosed with
bursted ear drums in both ears. surgery was recomended. after the infection
was eliminated.
Then surgery to remove tonsils and adenoids. But it seems that one or the
other is always infected. A second opinion is going to be next. Can you give
me any information on this. Is surgery for the ear drums the only way to
repair this problem.
Thank you for your time.
Reply: ----------------------------------
You have not given me enough information on which to render an opinion as to the appropriateness of ear surgery. I assume that your child has been advised to have tympanoplasty at some point to repair tympanic membrane perforations. However, from your description, it sounds as though the tympanic membrane perforations may be acute due to recent ear infection. Tympanic membrane perforations which occur with acute ear infections close almost all of the time by themselves without any need for surgery. Chronic tympanic membrane perforations which do not close after several months may warrant surgery particularly if there is conductive hearing loss or if the perforation is close to the periphery of the ear drum and therefore posing a risk for cholesteatoma. Surgery is also occasionally indicated in the treatment of chronic otitis media where there is chronic drainage from the ears associated with a tympanic membrane perforation and medical therapy has failed to resolve the problem.
--
Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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