Is Surgery for Chronic Otitis Media Dangerous?

Chronic otitis media often occurs in combination with chronic mastoiditis. For patients with chronic otitis media, it is important to live in an environment with fresh air and attention to ventilation by opening windows. They should also maintain a good mood. In addition, prevention of respiratory infections, proper warmth to avoid getting chilled, and sufficient rest with adequate sleep are essential. Is chronic otitis media surgery dangerous? Let's explore the matter further.

Firstly, regarding the safety of chronic otitis media surgery, overall, the risk is relatively low. An experienced ENT doctor can avoid damaging the facial nerve and chorda tympani nerve within the middle ear, thus minimizing any potential harm. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a reputable hospital for the surgery. The main reasons for acute otitis media progressing to chronic otitis media include delayed or inappropriate treatment, poor physical resistance, and virulent pathogens. Chronic lesions in the nasal cavity, sinuses, and pharynx can also contribute to recurrent and chronic otitis media. Common pathogenic bacteria include Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus.

Secondly, chronic otitis media is a chronic suppurative inflammation affecting the mucosal lining of the middle ear, the bone membrane, or deeper bony structures. It often coexists with chronic mastoiditis. This condition often arises from delayed or inappropriate treatment of acute suppurative otitis media or can be a direct continuation of acute necrotic otitis media.

Thirdly, regarding daily care for chronic otitis media patients:

• Maintain a clean and well-ventilated indoor environment.
• Maintain a positive mental state and avoid stressful or exciting situations.
• Prevent respiratory infections, stay warm, avoid getting chilled, rest adequately, and ensure sufficient sleep.
• After tympanic membrane surgery, avoid blowing your nose or sneezing. If necessary, breathe through your mouth to protect the tympanic membrane.
• Protect the affected ear from impact and avoid swimming for six months as advised by your doctor. Patients who have undergone tympanic membrane, middle ear, or inner ear surgery should also avoid flying for six months. Individuals who have undergone ossicular chain reconstruction should refrain from strenuous activities.
• Follow your doctor's instructions after discharge, take medications regularly, and attend scheduled follow-up visits and dressing changes.