Question
How long after tympanoplasty will facial paralysis occur?
Answer
Tympanoplasty is typically performed under a microscope using otoscopic instruments to clear inflammation and simultaneously repair the tympanic membrane and reconstruct the ossicular chain. The advantage of this surgical approach is its minimal trauma, low incidence of complications, and good outcomes. There are two main reasons for the occurrence of facial paralysis after surgery: one is that improper surgical manipulation may have damaged the facial nerve, which is usually noticeable after full recovery from anesthesia; the other is that the facial nerve may become too tightly tied or infected after exposure, which usually occurs within one to three days post-surgery.