How many surgeries are required to complete atresia repair?
For unilateral atresia, generally only one procedure is required. For bilateral atresia, two procedures are required, generally separated by about 3 months
If the middle ear bones are malformed or missing, can this be corrected at the same time the atresia repair is done?
Yes. In the case of mildly-moderately malformed middle ear bones, a laser can be used to detach and reshape the ossicles at the same time the atresia repair surgery is being done. In the case of severely deformed or missing middle ear bones, sometimes prosthetic (titanium) ear bones are used in their place. Occasionally this requires a second surgical procedure after the new eardrum heals.
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