Microscopic ear surgery includes a range of specialized procedures performed using a high-powered surgical microscope to provide a magnified and detailed view of the delicate structures of the ear. These procedures are commonly used to treat eardrum perforations, chronic ear infections, hearing loss, and problems involving the middle-ear bones. The specific procedure is selected after detailed examination and hearing assessment.
1. Tympanoplasty & Canalplasty
Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to repair a perforated or damaged eardrum and, where possible, improve hearing. Canalplasty involves widening or reshaping a narrowed ear canal to improve access, ventilation, sound conduction, or facilitate treatment of ear disease. These procedures may be performed individually or together depending on the patient’s condition.
2. Mastoidectomy
Mastoidectomy is performed to remove infected or diseased tissue from the mastoid bone located behind the ear. It is commonly considered in cases of chronic ear infection, cholesteatoma, or other middle-ear and mastoid disease. The aim is primarily to create a safe, disease-free ear and help prevent further complications.
3. Ossiculoplasty
Ossiculoplasty is a hearing-restoration procedure used to repair or reconstruct the tiny middle-ear bones known as the ossicles. These bones may become damaged due to chronic infection, cholesteatoma, trauma, or previous ear surgery. Reconstruction helps improve the transmission of sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.
4. Stapedectomy
Stapedectomy is a specialized microscopic ear surgery mainly used to treat conductive hearing loss caused by otosclerosis, a condition in which the stapes bone becomes abnormally fixed. During surgery, part or all of the affected stapes is replaced with a small prosthesis to restore sound transmission and improve hearing in appropriately selected patients.