The structure of the middle ear cavity can be fully restored after the inflammation in the middle ear subsides in most cases. In some patients, however, an eardrum perforation remains. Tympanoplasty is a procedure to repair the perforated eardrum, provided that the middle ear infection has been controlled and the auditory tuberosity is functional. This procedure can repair the eardrum and improve hearing. The procedure is done under general anesthesia and usually involves repairing the eardrum using the muscle or cartilage membranes of the ear. Patients are usually able to function normally one week after surgery and should be seen six weeks after surgery for healing of the eardrum and to check their hearing. A piece of cartilage is usually placed on the inside of the eardrum to avoid post-operative scarring and to improve the function of the middle ear and increase the mobility of the eardrum. If the middle ear is filled with scar tissue or if the auditory tuberosity is completely destroyed, then a two-stage procedure may be performed to improve hearing. The purpose of the first surgery is to remove the diseased tissue and reduce scarring, while the second surgery is aimed at rebuilding hearing. The choice of second-stage surgery depends on the first surgery.