Are you afraid of Mastoidectomy surgery? Let's talk about it simply! (Mastoidectomy)

Do you also have frequent earaches? Has the doctor told you that you need to have surgery on the bone behind your ear? When you hear the name 'Mastoidectomy', you may also feel a little scared and hesitant. It's very normal. But don't be afraid of anything. Today, we will talk about this surgery, why it is done, how it is done, and what happens after it, in a very simple way that you can understand.

Simply put, what is Mastoidectomy?

Okay, first let's look at what this Mastoid is. There's a bone behind your ear, on the side of your head, that's the Mastoid bone . It's filled with a bunch of little air cells, like a honeycomb, or a sponge.

So, if for some reason these air chambers become infected with germs, or if they become diseased, they have to be surgically removed. The surgery to remove those diseased mastoid air chambers is called a mastoidectomy .

Why do we need to have a Mastoidectomy?

There are several main reasons for performing this surgery. You don't do this kind of surgery just for a minor ear problem.

• Spread of ear infections (Otitis Media): Sometimes, if middle ear infections are not treated properly, the infection can spread to the mastoid bone. This surgery is then necessary to remove the infected parts.
• Cholesteatoma: This is a bit of a special condition. Simply put, it is a non-cancerous growth of skin cells that forms behind the eardrum. Although it is not cancerous, as it grows, it begins to destroy the surrounding soft bone (the small bone that conducts sound inside the ear) and the mastoid bone. To remove it, you will definitely need to have a mastoidectomy.
• During cochlear implant surgery: Some people may need to undergo a mastoidectomy as part of the surgery when they receive a cochlear implant, a device that is implanted inside the ear as a hearing aid.
• Eardrum Repair (Tympanoplasty): If a person has a perforated eardrum and is undergoing surgery to repair it (Tympanoplasty), but also has a problem with the mastoid bone, both surgeries can be performed together.

How serious is this surgery? What are the types of surgeries?

There is not just one type of mastoidectomy surgery. Your doctor will decide what type of surgery you need based on the nature of your condition and how far it has spread. Let's take a look at the main types.

What happens before and during the surgery?

Before surgery

Before the surgery, the doctor will give you a set of instructions. It is very important to follow them exactly.

• You may be asked to temporarily stop taking certain medications (especially those that reduce blood clotting).
• Since the surgery is performed under general anesthesia, you will be asked to fast (not eat or drink anything) for a few hours before the surgery.
• Since you will not be able to drive yourself home after surgery, arrange in advance for someone you trust to drive you home.

During surgery

You won't feel anything during the surgery, because you'll be asleep. Usually, these things happen:

1. First, you will be fully anesthetized.

2. The surgeon will then make a small incision in the skin behind your ear to reach the mastoid bone. (Don't worry, the doctor will do this so that the scar will be less visible later on.)

3. The mastoid bone is opened using special instruments.

4. Carefully remove all infected and diseased air chambers inside.

5. Finally, the incision is closed with stitches and covered with a gauze dressing.

This entire surgery usually takes about two or three hours .

Is there any pain after the surgery?

There is no pain during the surgery. However, after the surgery, as the anesthesia wears off and you wake up, you may feel a little pain at the incision site, a heaviness, or a fullness in your ear. This is normal.

Your doctor will prescribe painkillers to help control this pain. Over-the-counter painkillers like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen can also help. Your doctor will give you some advice to help you stay comfortable during your recovery.

What are the benefits and possible risks of this surgery?

Like anything, this surgery has both benefits and very minor risks.

Advantages of surgery

The biggest benefit of this is that it can cure an ear infection that has been bothering you for a long time. It can also prevent serious complications that can occur from conditions like cholesteatoma if left untreated. Such complications include:

• Hearing loss
• Vertigo and Dizziness
• Facial nerve damage
• Inner ear infection (Labyrinthitis)
• Meningitis
• Brain abscess

Possible risks (Complications)

As with any surgery, there are some risks that may occur very rarely.

How long does it take to heal?

It may take you about 6 to 12 weeks to fully recover. But don't worry, you will be able to return to your normal activities (school, work) in about a week or two . However, during this time, you should strictly follow the doctor's instructions (such as not exercising, not lifting weights, not letting water get into your ears).

What are the times when you should talk to the doctor after surgery?

This is very important. If you experience any of the following symptoms after you go home from surgery, you should call your doctor immediately .

• If you have a fever of 100.5 Fahrenheit (38.05 Celsius) or higher .
• If there is heavy bleeding or fluid coming from the ear.
• If you experience facial weakness (e.g., one side of your mouth droops when you smile).
• If you experience severe dizziness or vertigo.
• If your hearing suddenly decreases .

If you have frequent ear infections or other complications, a mastoidectomy may be the best option for you. Talk to your doctor about this. This surgery can eliminate the infection and improve your overall health and quality of life.