Is there a need for a second surgery after hitting the eardrum with nails after tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy surgery on a few years back. I had a deep attic pocket and an ear infection, due to which I was told to have surgery. I visited my doctor last week, and he declared me fit and allowed me to swim and bathe with cotton on. But I had some discharge the other day, so I tried to wipe it with my finger. The surgery was done through the canal, so I have quite a big canal. So somehow, my finger went inside, and my nail hit the eardrum, which was newly placed. I don't know what to do now. Do I have to undergo this surgery again? Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. Since you had an attic retraction pocket, they must have done a modified radical mastoidectomy with an open cavity technique. Discharge is one of the frequent problems of a mastoid cavity. Does your doctor plan to do a second look surgery? Can you tell me the exact procedure done and the route of approach to the mastoid? Did they give a postural incision? Thank you.