Myringoplasty

What is a myringoplasty?

A myringoplasty is an operation to repair a hole in the eardrum. Your child will usually stay in hospital overnight.

How long will it take?

The operation takes about 60 to 90 minutes. This includes the anaesthetic, operation and time spent in the recovery room. If your child is to stay overnight, they will be admitted to the Mater Children’s Private Brisbane ward on Level 7.

When can my child eat and drink again?

If your child is awake on return to the ward, they can have clear fluids immediately. A light diet will be offered when fully awake. 

Care at home

Pain relief

• Have a supply of paracetamol at home. It can be given as per the instructions on the packaging for the first three to five days after the operation to relieve discomfort.
• Give other pain relief medicine if advised.
• Do not give aspirin.

Diet and fluids

Your child may eat and drink when they feel well.

Vomiting

It is not uncommon for children to vomit on the night of the operation. If your child is vomiting, give sips of clear fluids, try a piece of dry toast or a cracker biscuit and increase the amounts as tolerated until the vomiting settles. If vomiting continues after 24 hours seek medical advice.

Dressing

• Your child may have a head bandage for 24 hours.
• There may be stitches in front of the ear as well as behind the ear. The surgeon will discuss these details with you.
• Expect to see an ooze of clear or blood tinged fluid from the ear canal for the first week.
• Your child should now lie on the side of the operation as this will increase pain.
• Keep the ear dry until your doctor advises otherwise.

Points to remember

• Your child can eat and drink as soon as they feel well.
• Vigorous play or contact sport should be avoided until advised.
• Your child is not to return to school until advised by the doctor.
• Take your child to your GP or go to your closest hospital that treats children hospital if there is excess vomiting, persistent high temperatures or excessive pain not relieved by paracetamol.

Follow up visit

An appointment will be either given to you when your child is discharged or posted out to you.

Emergency contact

To ensure your child receives the best possible care in an emergency, you should call 000 or go to your nearest Emergency Department

If you have any concerns or questions please contact your doctor.

Contact Mater Children’s Private Brisbane

Salmon Building,

Raymond Terrace,

South Brisbane QLD 4101

Telephone: 07 3163 8111

www.mater.org.au

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