Mastoidectomy

A mastoidectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove diseased mastoid air cells located in the mastoid bone, which is part of the temporal bone in the skull, situated just behind the ear. The mastoid bone contains air-filled spaces connected to the middle ear, and infection here can spread and cause complications if left untreated.

Causes

The most common cause requiring mastoidectomy is chronic otitis media with or without cholesteatoma. Other causes include acute mastoiditis that does not respond to antibiotics, complications of middle ear infections such as hearing loss or facial nerve paralysis, and, rarely, certain tumors or traumatic injuries affecting the mastoid bone.

Symptoms

Patients may experience persistent or recurrent ear discharge (otorrhea), hearing loss, ear pain, swelling or redness behind the ear, fever, and sometimes dizziness or imbalance. In severe cases, untreated mastoid disease can lead to intracranial complications such as meningitis or brain abscess.

Treatment

When medical management with antibiotics and ear cleaning fails, mastoidectomy becomes necessary. The surgery involves removing the infected air cells while preserving hearing and preventing further complications. There are different types, such as simple (cortical) mastoidectomy, canal wall up, and canal wall down mastoidectomy, depending on the extent of the disease. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia. Postoperative care includes ear dressing changes, antibiotic therapy, and regular follow-up to monitor healing and hearing function.

Mastoidectomy is an effective and safe procedure that not only eradicates infection but also helps preserve ear function and prevents life-threatening complications.