Tympanoplasty is reconstructive surgery for the tympanic membrane, or eardrum. After a person perforates their eardrum they are left with several options. If the perforation is from recent trauma, many ENTs will elect to watch and see if it heals on its own. After that, surgery may be considered. Tympanoplasty can be performed through the ear canal or through an incision behind the ear. The surgeon takes a graft from the tissues under the skin around the ear and uses it to reconstruct the eardrum. The surgery takes 1/2-1 hour if done through the ear canal and 2 1/2 to 3 hours if an incison is needed. It is done under local or general anesthesia. It is done on an outpatient basis and is successful 85-90% of the time.

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