Ossiculoplasty

Precautions to Take Before Surgery:

1. Medication: Ensure to take all prescribed medications as directed by the ENT surgeon until the night before the surgery. It’s important to bring along all prescribed and over-the-counter medications in their original packaging.

2. Fasting: Refrain from consuming any food or drink from midnight onwards on the day of the surgery. This fasting period is essential for the procedure.

3. Hospital File: Bring the hospital file containing necessary documents such as the major surgical profile, audiological evaluation reports, pre-anesthetic check-up sheet, and radiological investigation films and reports (X-ray, CT scan, MRI, PET scan, etc.). Prepare this file a day prior to the surgery.

4. Personal Hygiene: Shampoo your hair before the surgery day. Male patients are advised to maintain a short haircut for convenience during the procedure.

5. Accompaniment: It’s recommended to be accompanied by a close family member or attendant who can provide support and assistance before and after the surgery.

6. Arrival Time: Arrive at the hospital at least three hours before the scheduled surgery time. This allows sufficient time for pre-operative preparations and paperwork.

7. Check-In Procedure: Upon arrival, report to the reception desk on time. Hospital staff will guide you through the necessary steps leading up to the surgery.

8. Health Status: Inform the doctor and anesthetist of any health issues or symptoms such as cough, cold, fever, or throat pain. Also, disclose any known drug allergies beforehand to ensure safe and effective anesthesia administration.

1. Bed Rest: Complete bed rest is recommended in the first 24 hours after surgery. Avoid lying on the side of the operated ear during this period.

2. Fasting: Refrain from consuming food or drink for 4-5 hours after surgery. After this period, you may drink water. Avoid caffeinated beverages like tea, coffee, or aerated drinks. A semi-solid diet in moderate quantities is permitted after 12 hours, progressing to normal food from the second day onwards.

3. Medication: Take all prescribed medications as directed by the surgeon after discharge. If any prescribed medications cause adverse reactions such as rashes or stomach upset, contact the doctor immediately.

4. Hygiene: Avoid oiling your hair or cleaning your ear until permitted by the surgeon. Stay away from individuals with coughs and colds to prevent infection transmission.

5. Nasal Care: Avoid blowing your nose with excessive force. When sneezing, do so with your mouth open to reduce pressure on the ears.

6. Bathing: Refrain from having a head bath for one month after surgery to prevent water from entering the ear. However, you may take a daily bath without wetting or disturbing the head bandage if it is still in place.

7. Sleeping Position: Avoid sleeping on the operated side for one month after surgery to prevent discomfort or complications.

8. Activity Restrictions: Refrain from strenuous activities and air travel for one month after surgery unless advised otherwise by the operating surgeon. Regular office work can usually be resumed after three days unless advised otherwise.

9. Water Activities: Swimming and other water activities are typically allowed after three months post-surgery to ensure complete healing and minimize the risk of complications.

10. Ear Care: Change the cotton outside the ear three times a day using the method demonstrated by hospital staff. Clean behind your ear while bathing. Monitor for excessive ear discharge and report any concerns to your healthcare provider promptly.

For top-quality middle ear reconstruction and hearing restoration, consider the expertise of Dr. Jitendra Patel at OM ENT Hospital Rajkot, renowned for its excellence in ossiculoplasty procedures.

Post-operative follow-up visits with the operating surgeon can be scheduled as follows:

1. 7 days after surgery for suture removal and ear bandage removal (1st visit)
2. Every 10 days in the first month after the initial visit (2nd & 3rd visits)
3. Every 15 days in the second and third months after surgery (4th to 8th visits)
4. Monthly visits for the remainder of the first year after surgery
5. Every 3 months for the second year following the surgery
6. Every 6 months thereafter for ongoing monitoring and evaluation

• While ossiculoplasty is generally considered safe, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and complications associated with the procedure:

  1. Taste Disturbance: The taste nerve runs close to the eardrum and may sustain damage, leading to abnormal taste on one side of the tongue. While this disturbance is often temporary, it may persist permanently in some cases.

  2. Dizziness: It’s common to experience dizziness for a few hours after surgery. In certain instances, dizziness may persist for a longer duration.

  3. Hearing Loss: Although rare, severe deafness can occur if the patient’s inner ear is damaged during the procedure.

  4. Tinnitus: If hearing loss worsens, patients may experience tinnitus or ringing noises in the ear.

  5. Facial Paralysis: The facial nerve, responsible for controlling facial muscles, passes through the ear. There is a slight risk of partial or total facial paralysis affecting movements such as eye closure, smiling, and forehead raising. This paralysis can occur immediately or develop over time, with the potential for partial or full recovery.

  6. Allergic Reaction: In some cases, the ear may react adversely to dressings used in the ear canal, leading to redness, swelling, and inflammation of the outer ear (pinna). Consult the surgeon if allergic reactions occur for appropriate management.

  7. Risks of General Anesthesia: It’s important to consider the potential risks associated with general anesthesia, including allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and adverse reactions to medications.

  It’s crucial to discuss these risks with your surgeon and weigh them against the potential benefits of the procedure before providing consent for ossiculoplasty. Your surgeon will provide personalized guidance based on your individual health status and medical history.