Mount Sinai neurotologists are experts in endoscopic ear surgery, a minimally invasive approach that is only performed in a small number of centers worldwide. When a patient has chronic infections, trauma, or a cholesteatoma that causes a hole or perforation in the eardrum/tympanic membrane, hearing loss and drainage (otorrhea) may occur. Tympanoplasty is a term used for repairing the ear drum, and in this case we do so with an endoscope, which affords the surgeon and their assistants a better view and the ability to see around corners. Because this is minimally invasive, there is no incision needed behind the ear. We often use a piece of cartilage from the tragus to reconstruct the ear drum.
Generally speaking, there is a medial underlay technique and a lateral graft technique when performing tympanoplasty. Lateral graft technique is shown in a different video. Medial underlay technique refers to placing the graft medial, or underneath the remnant eardrum to repair the hole in the eardrum. Each technique is equally effective, and the decision is dictated by the surgeon’s preference as well as well as the patient’s anatomy. Eroded ossicles, or bones of hearing, can be repaired simultaneously as well.
George Wanna, MD, FACS Chair of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai and Mount Sinai Beth Israel Chief, Division of Otology-Neurotology Mount Sinai Health System Professor of Otolaryngology, and Neurosurgery Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Maura K. Cosetti, MD Director, Ear Institute at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary (NYEE) of Mount Sinai Director, Cochlear Implant Program Mount Sinai Health System
Enrique R. Perez, MD, MBA Director of Otology-Neurotology The Mount Sinai Hospital Assistant Professor, Otolaryngology Mount Sinai Health System
Zachary G. Schwam, MD Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Division of Otology-Neurotology, Lateral Skull Base Surgery Mount Sinai Health System
