title: Tympanic membrane perforation in adults. How to manage, when to refer.
abstract: Tympanic membrane perforation is a common and potentially serious condition. One of the most important aspects of primary care for perforations is deciding which patients need to be seen by an otolaryngologist and how urgently they need to be referred. There are several indications for surgical repair, but most cases can be managed with conservative care and require no referral.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA. ott.michael@mayo.edu
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Ott
authors.forename: L B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Lundy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003638:Deafness / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D011320:Primary Health Care; D018058:Tympanic Membrane Perforation / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*