Learn about Tympanic Neurectomy Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Tympanic Neurectomy and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Tympanic Neurectomy

Tympanic neurectomy is a specialized otolaryngological (ENT) surgical procedure performed to address chronic and debilitating conditions like Frey's syndrome (gustatory sweating) or severe, refractory otalgia (ear pain). The surgery involves the precise identification and selective sectioning of the tympanic nerve, also known as Jacobson's nerve, which is a branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) that runs through the middle ear. By interrupting this nerve pathway, the procedure aims to eliminate abnormal sweating on the face triggered by eating or to alleviate persistent, unexplained ear pain that has not responded to other treatments. It is typically considered only after thorough diagnostic evaluation and conservative management options have been exhausted. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, often using a microscope for enhanced visualization through the ear canal or a small incision.

Key Highlights

    Targeted treatment for specific, hard-to-manage conditions like Frey's syndrome and refractory otalgia.Minimally invasive approach, often performed trans-tympanically (through the eardrum).Can provide significant, long-lasting relief from symptoms that severely impact quality of life.Generally has a short operative time and a relatively straightforward recovery period.Performed by a specialist ENT surgeon with microsurgical expertise.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Frey's Syndrome (Gustatory Sweating): Abnormal sweating on the cheek or temple area while eating, often following parotid gland surgery or trauma.
  • Refractory Otalgia: Chronic, severe ear pain with no identifiable cause in the ear itself (primary otalgia) or referred pain that is unresponsive to other treatments.
  • Other Neuralgias: Rare cases of glossopharyngeal neuralgia specifically involving the tympanic branch.
  • Failure of conservative management, including medications, nerve blocks, or botulinum toxin injections for Frey's syndrome.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive ENT consultation and diagnostic workup to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes.
  • Pre-operative hearing tests (audiometry) to establish a baseline.
  • Review of medical history and current medications; adjustments may be needed for blood thinners.
  • Pre-anesthetic check-up, which may include blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray as required.
  • Fasting for 6-8 hours prior to the surgery as per anesthesia guidelines.
  • Discussion of the procedure's goals, risks, benefits, and expected outcomes with the surgeon.

Risks & possible complications

  • Standard surgical/anesthesia risks (e.g., reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection).
  • Incomplete relief of symptoms or recurrence.
  • Injury to adjacent structures in the middle ear, potentially affecting hearing (temporary or permanent).
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ear) or dizziness/vertigo.
  • Alteration or loss of taste sensation on the posterior part of the tongue (due to glossopharyngeal nerve involvement).
  • Dryness in the ear canal or throat (rare).
  • Scarring or perforation of the eardrum (tympanic membrane).

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Hospital discharge is usually on the same day or after an overnight observation.
  • Mild ear pain, discomfort, or a feeling of fullness is common and managed with prescribed pain medication.
  • Keep the ear dry; avoid swimming and use ear plugs while showering for the period advised by the surgeon (typically 2-4 weeks).
  • Avoid blowing the nose forcefully to prevent pressure changes in the middle ear.
  • Follow-up appointment within 1-2 weeks to check the ear canal and eardrum healing.
  • Most normal activities can be resumed within a few days, but avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 1-2 weeks.
  • Monitor for signs of infection (increased pain, fever, discharge) and report them immediately.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 1-2 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering tympanic neurectomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for tympanic neurectomy compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 489 – USD 1,305 0-1 days ~ 1-2 weeks Know More
Turkey USD 3,624 – USD 9,663 0-1 days ~ 1-2 weeks Know More

Top hospitals for Tympanic Neurectomy in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ent teams and experience managing patients undergoing tympanic neurectomy.

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
  • Icon79 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Patiala

  • IconPatiala, India
  • Icon52 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors

KMC Hospital Mangalore

  • IconMangalore, India
  • Icon38 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon57 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon150 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon150 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Ranchi

  • IconRanchi, India
  • Icon41 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

I was a total wreck before...

I was a total wreck before my appointment. First time seeing a doctor on my own and I was convinced it was something serious. Dr. Muthusamy just had this calm way about him. He listened to all my jumbled-up worries, did a quick check, and explained everything in a way that actually made sense. Walked out feeling silly for being so nervous, but mostly just relieved.

ENT Specialists for Tympanic Neurectomy

Explore experienced ent specialists who regularly perform tympanic neurectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Salil Sharma
  • 29 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Noida Sector 11

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shalina Ray
  • 27 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Tushar Maniar
  • 27 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hiren N. Doshi
  • 27 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Neeta Shah
  • 26 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Pankaj R. Shroff
  • 26 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Tejal Shetty
  • 26 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Poonam Gautam
  • 26 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Narayan Jayashankar
  • 24 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Siddharth Kharkar
  • 24 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jimit Choudhary
  • 24 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ajay Doiphode
  • 24 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Devayani Barve-Venkat
  • 24 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vipasha Brajpuriya
  • 24 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Faridabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Leera Lobo
  • 24 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sunanda Anand
  • 24 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Subramanya Rao P
  • 22 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rashmi Algeri
  • 21 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jaini Lodha Bhandari
  • 21 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Bharat Rajivkumar Saxena
  • 21 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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