Which procedure should be performed alongside myringoplasty?

Myringoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at repairing a perforation in the tympanic membrane (eardrum). When considering additional procedures that may be performed alongside myringoplasty, it is important to understand the relationship between the tympanic membrane and the middle ear structures.

Ossiculoplasty, which involves the reconstruction of the ossicular chain (the three small bones in the middle ear: the malleus, incus, and stapes), is often indicated when there is conductive hearing loss associated with the tympanic membrane perforation. In cases where the integrity of the ossicular chain is compromised, performing ossiculoplasty during the same surgical session as myringoplasty can enhance the overall success of the surgery. The goal is to not only repair the eardrum but also to restore the function of the middle ear structures if they are damaged.

Stapedectomy, on the other hand, specifically addresses issues related to the stapes bone, often in the context of otosclerosis, which is a condition that causes hearing loss due to abnormal bone growth in the middle ear. This procedure is less commonly paired with myringoplasty because it addresses different pathologies and treatment goals.

Both procedures are not typically necessary at the same time, as each