MASTOIDECTOMY

Mastoid Process
 It is a conical or pyramidal bone projection at the base of the skull on each side
of the head.
 It normally projects from the undersurface of the mastoid portion of the temporal
bone in the posterior region. The mastoid margin articulates with the jugular
process of the occipital bone in the medial position.

A mastoidectomy is a surgery used to remove damaged or diseased areas of your

mastoid bone. Your mastoid bone is found just behind your ear and has many small
spaces called air cells inside.

You may need a mastoidectomy if you have:

 chronic otorrhea (ear drainage) or ear infections. Ear drainage and infection can
enter your mastoid bone and air cells, causing the bone to break down.
 cholesteatoma. A cholesteatoma is a sac of tissue that can grow inside your ear. A
cholesteatoma can cause hearing loss, and may break down your mastoid bone.
 tumor (mass)
 repair a damaged ear drum.

Types of Mastoidectomy:
 simple mastoidectomy: the surgeon opens the mastoid bone, removes the
infected air cells, and drains the middle ear
 radical mastoidectomy: the surgeon may remove the eardrum and middle ear
structures. Sometimes a skin graft is placed in the middle ear
 modified radical mastoidectomy: this is a less severe form of radical
mastoidectomy. Not all middle ear bones are removed and the eardrum is rebuilt.
Some hearing loss is to be expected with radical and modified radical
mastoidectomy. This surgery is not as common as it used to be.
 Infections are usually treated with antibiotics, but surgery may be done if antibiotics
fail.

How Is a Mastoidectomy Performed?

 usually performed under general anesthesia
 For a simple mastoidectomy, the surgeon will usually:
 access the mastoid bone through the ear or a cut made behind the ear
 use a microscope and a small drill to open the mastoid bone
 use suction irrigation to keep the surgical area free of bone dust
 remove the infected air cells
 stitch up the operative site
 cover the site with gauze to soak up drainage

What Happens After a Mastoidectomy?

 prescribe pain medication
 use topical antibiotic drops to decrease the risk of infection
 schedule you to return for removal of your bandages and stitches
 cover the operative site while bathing (with a cup or a petroleum jelly-covered
cotton ball)
 avoid strenuous activity
 avoid air travel
 avoid putting pressure on your ear

Complications:
 facial nerve paralysis or weakness (a rare complication caused by facial nerve
injury)
 sensorineural hearing loss (a type of inner ear hearing loss that may occur in up
to six percent of patients)
 vertigo (dizziness; it may persist for several days)
 change in taste (food may taste metallic, sour, or otherwise “off”; this often
resolves after a few months)
  tinnitus (abnormal noises in the ear such as ringing, popping, and hissing)

 Call your health care provider if you experience any of the above. You should also
call if you have heavy ear bleeding or a fever over 100.5 degrees F.

References:
Phillips, Natalie (2012). Mastoidectomy. Retrieved from
http://www.healthline.com/health/mastoidectomy#Overview1