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Visit Pristyn Care for a safe and effective mastoidectomy. It is a surgical procedure to remove infected or diseased mastoid air cells. Book an appointment now.
Visit Pristyn Care for a safe and effective mastoidectomy. It is a surgical ... Read More
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A mastoidectomy is a surgical procedure that removes diseased mastoid air cells. The mastoid is a part of your skull located behind your ear. It’s filled with air cells made of bone and looks like a honeycomb. Ear infections can spread to the skull, causing diseased cells. Mastoidectomy removes abnormal ear growths called cholesteatoma.
Mastoidectomy is used for labyrinthectomy and facial nerve surgery. It is used for cochlear implants and skull base procedures.
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A mastoidectomy surgery is helpful in treating complications of chronic otitis media (COM). COM is an ongoing ear infection of the middle ear. A cholesteatoma, which is a skin cyst, can be a complication of these ongoing infections. The cyst grows over time and may lead to serious complications such as:
A healthcare provider may perform a mastoidectomy to put in acochlear implant. It helps provide a sense of sound. It is for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Moreover, mastoidectomy surgery can also remove abnormal growths at the base of your skull.
A mastoidectomy is performed for cholesteatoma or a severe mastoid infection. Its symptoms are confused with other ear infections. Your ENT doctor needs to perform a thorough diagnosis.
To confirm the diagnosis, you may need several diagnostic tests. These include blood tests, imaging scans like MRI, CT scan, and X-rays. The scan will help determine the severity of mastoid degeneration. If the infection may have spread to the skull, a lumbar puncture might be needed. It is called a spinal tap.
Depending on the severity of your condition, the surgical treatment may vary a little. A simple mastoidectomy removes the infected bone. The ear canal stays intact. In major cases, the surgeon widens the ear canal. The canal is joined to the mastoid to preserve hearing. This procedure is called a radical or modified mastoidectomy.
The surgery is done under local anaesthesia. You can go home the same day. A cut is made behind the ear to reduce visible scars. The infected bone is removed. The incision is closed with stitches and covered with a dressing. The complete procedure takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
There are several types of mastoidectomy surgeries, including:
1. Simple mastoidectomy:
The surgeon opens the mastoid bone. The infected area is removed. The ear canal and middle ear stay intact.
2. Canal-wall-up mastoidectomy:
A canal wall-up mastoidectomy removes more bone than a simple one. Extra bone removal may be needed to access the middle ear.
3. Canal-wall-down mastoidectomy:
It is also called a radical mastoidectomy. It is done when the ear canal is damaged by infection. A canal wall-down mastoidectomy is also called a radical mastoidectomy. It is done when an infection severely damages the ear canal. A surgeon attempts to preserve as much hearing as possible. In some cases, the eardrum and middle ear structures may need complete removal. In a modified radical mastoidectomy, the surgeon keeps some middle ear bones. The eardrum is then rebuilt.
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Mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty are different surgeries. They target different ear areas and have different purposes. Here are the key differences between the surgeries:
Mastoidectomy removes infected or diseased mastoid air cells. It treats chronic ear infections, mastoiditis, or cholesteatoma.
Mastoidectomy targets the mastoid bone behind the ear. The middle ear may be involved.
It includes eliminating infection, preventing complications and excising cholesteatoma.
The surgery is aimed at repairing a perforated eardrum or reconstructing the middle ear structures. It addresses issues such as hearing loss or middle ear damage.
Tympanoplasty focuses on the middle ear. It repairs the eardrum and ossicles (malleus, incus, stapes).
Tympanoplasty repairs the eardrum and middle ear. It improves hearing and prevents recurring infections.
Mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty may be done together. This happens with middle ear damage, cholesteatoma, or chronic infection. The approach depends on your condition and the surgeon’s skill. See an ENT specialist for evaluation. They check symptoms, do tests, and suggest the best procedure.
A mastoidectomy is done for cholesteatoma or severe mastoid infection. Symptoms can mimic other ear problems. An ENT surgeon must diagnose carefully before planning treatment.
A doctor may suggest blood tests. Imaging, like MRI, CT, and X-rays of the head and ear, may also be done. The scan checks the severity of mastoid damage. If the infection may reach the skull, a lumbar puncture is needed.
Mastoidectomy is done in an operating room. An experienced ENT surgeon uses a microscope for the procedure. The surgery is performed under the influence of general anaesthesia. In a simple mastoidectomy, the surgeon makes an incision behind the ear to access the mastoid bone. The incision is precise to minimise scarring. The surgeon uses a microscope and specialised tools to open the mastoid bone. Suction irrigation keeps the area clear of bone dust.
They remove the infected air cells from the mastoid bone. Then, they stitch the surgical site. A surgeon dresses the surgical wound in gauze to keep it clean and dry. Sometimes, the surgeon uses a facial nerve monitor. This helps prevent facial nerve injury. A simple mastoidectomy surgery takes 2-3 hours to complete.
Some common advantages of mastoidectomy surgery include
Mastoidectomy treats persistent ear infections. It is used when antibiotics and other treatments fail.
Mastoidectomy removes infected or damaged tissue. It prevents infection from spreading to the brain or inner ear.
Mastoiditis, causes pain and swelling behind the ear. It can be managed through mastoidectomy surgery.
Mastoidectomy removes cholesteatoma from the middle ear. It protects surrounding structures. The surgery prevents complications and preserves hearing.
Mastoidectomy removes cholesteatoma that harms the middle ear. It protects nearby structures. The surgery prevents complications and preserves hearing.
Listed below are some preparation tips to reduce the complications during surgery:
A healthcare provider checks your medical history and past ear issues. They may run tests to evaluate the problem and plan surgery.
Talk to your healthcare provider about all medications. Include prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements. They give instructions on medications before surgery. Some may need to be continued, while others are paused temporarily.
A healthcare provider may advise fasting before surgery. An empty stomach lowers anaesthesia-related risks.
A doctor advises avoiding alcohol and tobacco before surgery. Some medications and supplements should be stopped. These can affect anaesthesia and healing.
You must follow all the instructions provided by your healthcare provider. These may include guidelines on fasting. Like, using special antibacterial soap for showering and removing makeup or nail polish.
Mastoidectomy involves anaesthesia. So you must arrange transportation to and from the surgical facility. Have a friend or family member accompany you. They can provide support during and after surgery.
Before the surgery, ensure you discuss all your questions with your doctor. Open communication helps you understand the procedure, risks, and outcomes. These are general guidelines. Follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions. They give personalised advice to ensure safety and the best results.
It takes 8-12 weeks to recover after the surgery. In some cases, patients start feeling better in a few days. Others may take up to 14 days to recover.
After surgery, you may notice stitches near your ear. You can feel headaches, numbness, and discomfort. In some cases, pain can occur for the first few days after surgery. A doctor recommends activity restrictions for up to 3-4 weeks.
The surgical site or the nearby area may get infected. This may need extra treatment.
Bleeding occurs during or after the surgery, and excessive bleeding may require intervention to control it.
Surgery can injure nearby structures. This includes the facial nerve, inner ear, and brain.
This can cause facial weakness, hearing loss, dizziness, or CSF leakage.
Surgery may injure nearby structures like the facial nerve, inner ear, and brain. This can cause facial weakness, hearing loss, dizziness, or CSF leakage.
Sometimes, mastoidectomy does not fully cure the infection. The infection may return, requiring further treatment or surgery.
Sometimes, mastoidectomy can change the shape or appearance behind the ear. Surgeons try to minimise cosmetic effects.
In rare cases, serious complications may occur. These include meningitis, facial nerve injury, or inner ear damage. Immediate medical attention is required.
Listed below are some changes that you can adopt for recovery after surgery:
Give yourself enough time to rest and recover after surgery. Follow all the recommendations provided by your healthcare provider. Avoid strenuous activities and intense exercises.
Take all prescribed medications. This includes antibiotics and pain relievers. Follow wound care instructions. Clean the incision and change dressings as directed.
Keep your ear dry to prevent infection. Use earplugs or avoid swimming until your doctor says it’s safe.
Attend all follow-up appointments. Your doctor will remove sutures or dressings and assess recovery.
Avoid activities that change pressure suddenly, like scuba diving or flying. This helps prevent discomfort and complications during healing.
Follow lifestyle changes suggested by your doctor. Avoid smoking to support healing. Eat a healthy diet to boost recovery and immunity.
Contact your healthcare provider if you have unusual symptoms. These include severe pain, fever, increased drainage, or changes in hearing.
These lifestyle changes are general guidelines. Follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions. They give advice to ensure smooth recovery and the best results.
It depends on the following factors.
Mastoid surgery treats chronic ear infections. If a doctor deems it necessary, health insurance covers it. Many health insurance plans cover surgeries like mastoidectomy. Coverage details depend on the plan type, deductible, and coinsurance.
Some non-surgical treatment options are as follows:
In mild or early infections, doctors prescribe oral or IV antibiotics. These help control infection and reduce inflammation. Antibiotics alone may not remove diseased mastoid air cells. Further treatment might be needed.
Doctors may recommend ear drops for external ear infections. They can be antibiotics or anti-inflammatory to treat the infection.
If the infection is mild, doctors may suggest observation. Regular follow-up appointments are recommended. Watchful waiting monitors the condition to prevent worsening or complications. It may not be suitable for advanced or persistent cases.
See an experienced ENT surgeon for the best treatment. They check the infection, review your symptoms, and suggest non-surgical options. Surgical removal of infected mastoid air cells is the best treatment. It resolves severe or chronic mastoiditis.
Before surgery, you must ask the following questions to your surgeon to have a better understanding of the procedure and the risks and complications associated with it:
Mastoidectomy surgery is successful in about 80-90% of cases, and there is a very rare chance of recurrence after the surgery. You may get mild ear infections from time to time, but they can be easily managed via medications.
It is usually safe to remove the dressing after 2 days, but you need to make sure the water and other foreign substances do not enter the ear canal. You can use cotton laced with antibiotics or Vaseline to keep the ear canal covered while bathing.
If you have a perforated eardrum in addition to a mastoid/middle ear infection, then you may need a tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy. The surgery will be performed at the same time, and you will recover within 6-8 weeks.
If you have ear problems and suspect you might need a mastoidectomy, then you should consult an ENT specialist (ear, nose, and throat doctor).
No, the surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so there is minimal pain during the surgery. After the surgery, there might be a little pain and discomfort during the recovery period, which can be managed through over-the-counter medications.
In severe cases where extensive removal of mastoid bone is necessary, a little hearing loss is common after the surgery, but generally, during a simple mastoidectomy, the ear canal remains intact, and there is no hearing loss.
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