International Licensing Examination (ILE) Practice Test

What is the surgical procedure called that aims to reconstruct the tympanic membrane?

1. Mastoidectomy

2. Tympanoplasty

3. Myringotomy

4. Mastoiditis

The correct answer is: Tympanoplasty

The surgical procedure aimed at reconstructing the tympanic membrane is known as tympanoplasty. This procedure is specifically designed to repair or reconstruct the tympanic membrane, which is essential for normal hearing as it vibrates in response to sound waves. During tympanoplasty, a surgeon may use graft material taken from other parts of the patient's body to patch or rebuild the damaged membrane, addressing issues caused by perforations or other pathological changes. Choosing tympanoplasty as the answer is supported by the fact that it directly targets the tympanic membrane itself, making it the most relevant surgical approach when discussing reconstruction in this context. Understanding the significance of this procedure is crucial, as it helps in restoring hearing and preventing future ear problems. In contrast, other procedures, such as mastoidectomy, involve removing infected air cells in the mastoid bone related to the middle ear without specifically addressing the reconstruction of the tympanic membrane. Myringotomy is a procedure to create an incision in the tympanic membrane to relieve pressure or drain fluid but does not reconstruct it. Mastoiditis refers to an infection of the mastoid bone, which is a condition rather than a surgical procedure. Therefore, tympanoplasty is the appropriate choice for reconstructing the tympanic membrane.