What Is a Mastoidectomy?
A mastoidectomy is a surgical procedure in which infected mastoid air cells are removed from the temporal bone, usually due to chronic ear infections or cholesteatoma. According to the mastoidectomy meaning, the goal is to eliminate infection, restore hearing, and prevent serious ear complications.
Types of Mastoidectomy
When doctors recommend mastoidectomy surgery, the type may vary depending on the severity of the infection, ear condition, and the structures involved. Common types include:
- Cortical Mastoidectomy: This is the simplest form, where only the diseased mastoid air cells are removed while preserving the ear canal and middle ear structures.
- Mastoidectomy with Tympanoplasty: Combines mastoid cell removal with repair of the eardrum or middle ear bones to restore hearing function.
- Modified Radical Mastoidectomy: Removes diseased tissue while preserving some hearing structures, typically used for extensive infections or cholesteatoma.
- Canal Wall Down Mastoidectomy: Involves removing the posterior canal wall, creating a cavity for easier cleaning and reducing infection recurrence.
- Canal Wall Up Mastoidectomy: Preserves the canal wall to maintain normal ear anatomy, suitable for less extensive disease, but requires close follow-up.
2-4 Hours
Surgery Duration
General Anesthesia
Anesthesia Used
2 to 4 Weeks
Full Recovery Timeline
When Do You Need a Mastoidectomy?
A mastoidectomy surgery is recommended when infections or cholesteatomas in the mastoid bone do not respond to medication. This procedure removes diseased mastoid air cells, restores ear function, and prevents serious complications such as hearing loss, brain abscess, or facial nerve damage.
A mastoidectomy may be suggested if you have:
- Chronic ear infections unresponsive to antibiotics
- Cholesteatoma causes ear discharge or hearing loss.
- Damage to the eardrum requiring mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty
- Complications affecting the inner ear, balance, or facial nerves
- Recurrent infections requiring cortical mastoidectomy or advanced techniques
Are You a Good Candidate for Mastoidectomy?
You may be a good candidate for mastoidectomy surgery if you have chronic ear infections, cholesteatoma, or extensive ear disease requiring procedures like modified radical mastoidectomy, canal wall down, or canal wall up mastoidectomy. Candidates should be medically stable and ready for proper post-surgery follow-up and recovery. You may be a suitable candidate for mastoidectomy surgery if:
- You have chronic ear infections or cholesteatoma that have not been cured by medication.
- Your doctor recommends a modified radical mastoidectomy for extensive disease.
- You require a canal wall down mastoidectomy or a canal wall up mastoidectomy for effective infection control.
- You do not have uncontrolled medical conditions that increase surgical risks.
- You are prepared for follow-up care and recovery after ear surgery.
How Can I Prepare for a Mastoidectomy Surgery?
Preparing for a mastoidectomy surgery is essential to ensure safe treatment and a smooth recovery. Proper preparation helps reduce risks and supports better surgical outcomes.
- Consultation: Meet with your ENT specialist to understand the procedure, discuss your medical history, and learn about different techniques such as cortical mastoidectomy, mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty, modified radical mastoidectomy, canal wall down mastoidectomy, or canal wall up mastoidectomy based on your condition.
- Medical Evaluation: Your surgeon may recommend hearing tests, blood work, or imaging scans to assess the extent of ear damage and plan the surgery.
- Medications: Inform your doctor about any medicines you are taking, especially blood thinners, as they may need to be stopped before the operation.
- Diet and Hydration: You may be advised to avoid food and drink for several hours before surgery, especially if general anesthesia is required.
- Lifestyle Preparation: Stop smoking and limit alcohol intake, as these can interfere with healing and increase risks.
- Arrange Support: Since you may feel weak or dizzy after the procedure, arrange for someone to accompany you and provide help during the first few days of recovery.
How is a Mastoidectomy Performed?
After consultation and detailed ear evaluations, if your doctor recommends mastoidectomy surgery, here's what typically happens:
- You'll receive general anesthesia so that you remain asleep and comfortable throughout the surgery.
- The surgeon makes a small incision behind the ear to access the mastoid bone.
- Depending on your condition, techniques such as cortical mastoidectomy, mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty, modified radical mastoidectomy, canal wall down mastoidectomy, or canal wall up mastoidectomy may be used.
- Diseased mastoid air cells are removed, and if required, the eardrum or middle ear structures are repaired.
- The incision is then carefully closed with stitches, and a sterile dressing is applied to protect the site.
- The entire procedure usually takes 2-3 hours, depending on the complexity and type of mastoidectomy surgery performed.
Who Performs a Mastoidectomy?
A mastoidectomy is always performed by an experienced ENT specialist (otolaryngologist) or an otologic surgeon. These experts are trained in advanced ear surgeries, ensuring safe removal of infected tissue, precise reconstruction when required, and reduced risk of mastoidectomy complications.
Mastoidectomy Recovery Tips
Recovery after mastoidectomy surgery is usually manageable, but proper aftercare helps reduce discomfort and prevent complications. Follow these essential guidelines:
- Follow Doctor's Advice: Every patient's case is unique, so always follow the post-surgery plan provided by your ENT specialist.
- Rest and Limit Activities: Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or straining for at least 1-2 weeks after surgery.
- Protect the Ear: Keep the operated ear dry and avoid swimming or water entry until your doctor confirms healing.
- Pain Management: Use prescribed medications to control pain and prevent infection.
- Balanced Nutrition: A healthy diet with protein, fruits, and vegetables supports faster recovery.
- Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: These can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
- Regular Follow-ups: Attend all scheduled visits so your surgeon can check healing and remove any packing if needed.
- Watch for Warning Signs: Contact your doctor immediately if you notice fever, severe dizziness, persistent discharge, or increasing pain.
Lifestyle Changes after Mastoidectomy Surgery Procedure
After undergoing mastoidectomy surgery, it's important to make certain lifestyle changes to support your recovery and overall well-being. Here are some lifestyle adjustments to consider:
- Rest and Recovery: Allow yourself adequate time to rest and heal. Your body needs time to recover from the surgical procedure, so avoid pushing yourself too hard too soon.
- Follow Medical Instructions: Adhere to your surgeon's postoperative instructions, including taking prescribed medications, changing dressings as advised, and attending follow-up appointments.
- Physical Activity: Initially, avoid strenuous physical activities and heavy lifting to prevent complications and promote proper healing. Gradually reintroduce exercise into your routine as your surgeon permits.
- Diet and Hydration: Maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients to support your body's healing processes. Staying hydrated is also essential for recovery.
- Stress Management: Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to manage stress. Reducing stress can positively impact your recovery.
- Hygiene and Wound Care: Keep the surgical site clean and dry as per your surgeon's recommendations. Follow proper hygiene practices to minimize the risk of infection.
Benefits of a Mastoidectomy
- Mastoidectomy surgery removes infected mastoid air cells, preventing the spread of chronic ear infections.
- Improves hearing ability when combined with mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty.
- Protects nearby structures like the inner ear and facial nerve from damage.
- Cortical mastoidectomy offers relief while preserving most ear structures.
- Modified radical mastoidectomy and canal wall down mastoidectomy provide effective treatment for extensive infections or cholesteatoma.
- Canal wall up mastoidectomy maintains the ear canal structure, allowing for easier hearing preservation.
- Reduces recurrence of ear infections and enhances overall ear health.
Mastoidectomy Side Effects and Risks
- Temporary dizziness or imbalance after the procedure.
- Mild pain or discomfort near the surgical site.
- There is a rare risk of infection if proper post-operative care is not followed.
- Hearing changes depending on the type of mastoidectomy performed.
- Risk of facial nerve weakness in rare cases of advanced mastoidectomy surgery.
- Fluid leakage from the ear which usually resolves with treatment.
- In rare instances, long-term hearing loss or complications may occur.
What is the Cost of Mastoidectomy Surgery?
Providing the exact mastoidectomy surgery cost is not possible without a consultation, as the price varies depending on several factors. However, the mastoidectomy cost in India generally ranges between Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 1,10,000. To know the exact charges, including surgeon fees, hospitalisation, and post-surgical care, please contact our hospital directly.
What Affects the Mastoidectomy Procedure Cost?
- Type of Mastoidectomy: The cost differs based on whether it is a cortical mastoidectomy, mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty, modified radical mastoidectomy, canal wall down mastoidectomy, or canal wall up mastoidectomy.
- Surgeon's Experience: Highly skilled ENT surgeons with vast expertise may charge higher consultation and surgical fees.
- Hospital Facilities & Location: The cost of mastoidectomy surgery may vary depending on the city, hospital infrastructure, and available technology.
- Additional Expenses: Charges for anesthesia, diagnostic imaging, medications, hospital stay, and follow-up visits can influence the total expense.
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