Maddern Post-Operative Tympanoplasty and Mastoidectomy Surgery Instructions

Tympanoplasty

Following a tympanoplasty (an operation to correct a damaged middle ear and eardrum), a cotton ball will be placed in the outer ear. You may change this cotton ball as needed and apply Bactracin® ointment to the cotton ball before inserting (this helps prevent the inside of the ear from getting wet). DO NOT REMOVE ANY PACKING OR PROBE THE EAR CANAL.

Mastoidectomy

Following a mastoidectomy (an operation which hollows out the mastoid process - removes the bony partitions forming the mastoid cells), a large, bulky, protective, pressure dressing will be placed over the ear. A Velcro-strapped ear shield will hold the dressing in place. This dressing may need to be changed with sterile 4x4's. DO NOT REMOVE ANY PACKING OR PROBE THE EAR CANAL. A cotton ball may be placed in the outer ear. You may change this cotton ball as needed and apply Bactracin® ointment to the cotton ball before inserting (this helps prevent the inside of the ear from getting wet). The ear shield does not have to be worn. You may reserve its use for sleeping and/or school to protect from trauma.

General Instructions

Wound Care

The incision behind or near the ear is held together by absorbable sutures. If the incision develops signs of infection, such as redness, drainage, and/or swelling, please call our office immediately.

Precautions

• Do not wash the hair or get the head wet until advised.
  
• Avoid swimming until advised.
  
• Absolutely no diving for 3 to 4 months following surgery.
  
• Avoid bike riding, roller skating, skate boarding, or other strenuous activity (including physical education) until advised.
  
• Avoid trauma/blows to the head.
  
• No airplane travel until advised.
  

Postoperative Appointment

Please call the office to schedule your child's post-operative appointment for 7 to 10 days after the surgery.