myringotomy

incision of the tympanic membrane, usually performed to relieve pressure and allow drainage of serous or purulent fluid from the middle ear. Sometimes, as in the case of serous otitis media, a ventilating tube called a grommet is inserted to permit continuous ventilation and avoid a chronic middle ear problem with fluid accumulation, pain, and loss of hearing. When a simple myringotomy is done for purposes of draining purulent material resulting from recurrent suppurative otitis media, care should be taken to avoid contamination by the fluid. Eardrops may be prescribed if there is fluid in the ear. The ear should be kept dry for two weeks after the procedure, with no fluid entering the ear until the myringotomy site in the eardrum is healed.