About Meatoplasty
Key Highlights
-
Widens a narrow or stenotic external ear canal to improve airflow and drainage.Reduces the frequency and severity of recurrent outer ear infections (otitis externa).Can improve conductive hearing loss caused by canal obstruction.Facilitates easier cleaning and examination of the ear canal by both patient and physician.Often performed as a day procedure with a relatively short recovery time.Provides a long-term solution for chronic ear canal stenosis./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Chronic stenosis (narrowing) of the external auditory canal.
- Recurrent episodes of otitis externa (swimmer's ear) due to poor drainage.
- Congenital ear canal abnormalities leading to narrowing.
- Post-traumatic or post-surgical scarring that has narrowed the canal.
- Exostoses (surfer's ear) or osteomas (benign bony growths) obstructing the canal.
- Difficulty in fitting or retaining hearing aids due to canal size.
- Persistent accumulation of debris and wax (cerumen impaction) due to a narrow canal.
How to prepare
- A comprehensive ENT evaluation, including otoscopy and possibly a hearing test (audiogram).
- Imaging studies like a CT scan of the temporal bone may be ordered to assess the bony anatomy.
- Discussion of medical history, allergies, and current medications with the surgeon.
- Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as advised by the doctor.
- Arranging for someone to drive the patient home after the procedure, especially if sedation is used.
- Fasting for several hours before surgery if general anesthesia is planned.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding, infection, or hematoma at the surgical site.
- Pain, swelling, or bruising around the ear.
- Temporary or, rarely, permanent change in the shape of the outer ear (pinna).
- Injury to the facial nerve, which runs near the ear canal, potentially causing temporary facial weakness.
- Recurrence of stenosis or scarring requiring further intervention.
- Alteration in taste (dysgeusia) due to proximity of the chorda tympani nerve.
- Rare complications like tympanic membrane (eardrum) perforation or sensorineural hearing loss.
Recovery & hospital stay
- A dressing or packing is placed in the ear canal for a few days to a week to maintain shape and absorb drainage.
- Oral antibiotics and pain medications are typically prescribed.
- Keep the ear completely dry; avoid swimming and use a shower cap.
- Avoid blowing the nose forcefully to prevent pressure changes in the ear.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial for removal of packing and monitoring of healing.
- Gentle cleaning of the outer ear as instructed, but avoid inserting anything into the canal.
- Most normal activities can be resumed within a week, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for 2-3 weeks.
-
Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (typically outpatient)
-
Expected recovery time: 2-3 weeks for full healing
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering meatoplasty in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for meatoplasty in India include Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, KMC Hospital Mangalore, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform meatoplasty. MediFyr helps you compare ent specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for meatoplasty compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Meatoplasty in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ent teams and experience managing patients undergoing meatoplasty.
Arjun Patel, a 42-year-old software engineer...
Arjun Patel, a 42-year-old software engineer and father of two, had suffered from chronic ear infections since childhood. For years, he managed with antibiotics and ear drops, but over the past two years, the infections became more frequent and severe, often accompanied by a foul-smelling discharge and significant hearing loss in his right ear. His ENT, Dr. Mehta, diagnosed him with chronic otitis externa and a stenotic (narrowed) ear canal, likely from years of inflammation and scarring. The narrow canal trapped moisture and debris, creating a perfect environment for infection. Dr. Mehta recommended a meatoplasty, explaining it would surgically widen the ear canal to improve airflow, drainage, and access for topical treatments. Arjun was anxious about surgery so close to his hearing apparatus but desperate for relief from the relentless cycle of pain and antibiotics. The procedure, performed under general anesthesia, took about 90 minutes. The recovery involved keeping the ear dry and packing changes in the clinic. Within weeks, Arjun noticed a dramatic difference. The chronic wetness and odor were gone. His hearing improved as sound could now reach his eardrum unimpeded. Emotionally, he moved from a place of constant frustration and social embarrassment, often turning his 'good ear' during conversations, to one of profound relief and regained confidence. He could finally swim with his kids and enjoy life without the looming threat of another painful infection.
ENT Specialists for Meatoplasty
Explore experienced ent specialists who regularly perform meatoplasty and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 16 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 43 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 38 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 36 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 10 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 19 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore