Ossiculoplasty

This is an operation to repair three middle ear bones to improve hearing.

The operation is usually carried out under general anaesthetic and you should not eat or drink anything for six hours prior to the operation.

The operation is carried out down the "ear hole" unless combined with another ear operation.

This is not a painful operation, but you should take painkillers you are familiar with as needed.

The dressing inside the ear will need to be removed approximately 14 days following surgery.

The ear may feel blocked for a few weeks.

Following the operation you may have some watery discharge mixed with thin blood from the ear, which can persist for up to two weeks. There is usually a cotton wool dressing in the ear and this can be changed for a fresh one if it becomes damp.

The ear may feel blocked for a few weeks; this will be due to the dressing and any fluid, which has collected in the middle ear. The graft can take up to six weeks to heal.

Swimming can only be resumed once the eardrum has healed. Mr Camilleri will advise when it is safe to do so.

You should not fly for two weeks following the operation.

As one of the nerves of taste runs across the eardrum, this needs to be moved during the operation. You may experience a slight alteration in your sense of taste on the operation side. This nearly always recovers completely, but can take up to six months to do so.

Return to work when you have recovered from the general anaethetic (24-48 hours).

You will be reviewed in the outpatient clinic.

Please contact your Suite at the Alexandra Hospital on  0161 428 3656 if you have any questions or concerns.

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