Do you also suffer from frequent ear infections? Do you suffer from problems like pus draining from the ear, earache, and gradual hearing loss? Sometimes the cause of such persistent ear problems can be an infection in the bone behind the ear. In such cases, a special surgery that doctors recommend is called Mastoidectomy. Although the name is a bit strange, this is a surgery that has brought relief to the lives of many people. Today, we will talk about this simply, in a way that you can understand.
What is Mastoidectomy?
Simply put, a mastoidectomy is the surgical removal of infected parts of the bone behind your ear.
Imagine, behind our ears, as part of the skull, there is a bone called the 'Mastoid'. This is not a solid bone. It is like a honeycomb, or a sponge, filled with a lot of small air cells inside. Normally, these should be healthy. But sometimes, if ear infections, especially middle ear infections (`otitis media`), are not controlled, this infection can spread and go to the air cells inside the mastoid bone. That's when the problem begins. Mastoidectomy is the surgery to remove these infected, diseased air cells.
Why do you need to have a Mastoidectomy?
There may be several main reasons why someone might have this surgery.
- Persistent ear infections: Some people have persistent ear infections. This surgery may be necessary when the infection becomes too severe to be controlled with antibiotics and spreads to the mastoid bone.
- Cholesteatoma: This is a bit of a special case. Cholesteatoma is a non-cancerous, abnormal growth of skin cells. It usually develops in the middle ear, behind the eardrum. It can also occur as a complication of repeated ear infections. As this growth grows, it can damage the delicate bones (small bones in the ear that help with hearing) and nerves around it. So, a mastoidectomy is necessary to completely remove it.
- Cochlear Implant Surgery: In some cases, this surgery is also performed as part of a cochlear implant surgery to restore hearing in the ear.
- Rupture of the eardrum: A person who has a ruptured eardrum may undergo a mastoidectomy along with a surgery to repair it (tympanoplasty).
Are there types of this surgery?
Yes, depending on the nature and severity of your condition, your doctor will decide which type of surgery is right for you. There are three main types.
| Type of surgery | What is being done | Special points |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Mastoidectomy (Simple Mastoidectomy) | Only the infected air chambers in the mastoid bone are removed. | It does not cause any damage to the ear canal or parts of the middle ear. |
| Canal-wall-up Mastoidectomy (Tympanomastoidectomy) | More bone is removed than in simple surgery, to reach parts of the middle ear, such as the small bones (ossicles) that help with hearing. | In this case, the ear canal is completely protected. |
| Canal-wall-down Mastoidectomy (Radical or Modified Mastoidectomy) | This is done if the ear canal has been damaged by a medical condition or if the canal needs to be removed to completely remove the disease. In this procedure, the ear canal and mastoid bone are joined together to create a large cavity (mastoid cavity). | This is done when the disease is very advanced or when other surgeries have failed. The ear opening is also enlarged to make it easier to clean this cavity in the future. |
What happens before and during the surgery?
Before the surgery...
Your doctor will give you a list of instructions to follow before the surgery. It is very important to follow them exactly. You may be asked to temporarily stop taking certain medications (such as blood thinners). Since this surgery is performed under general anesthesia, meaning you are completely asleep, you will need to arrange for someone you trust to drive you to the hospital and home after the surgery.
During the surgery...
You won't feel anything during the surgery. The surgeon will follow these steps:
1. Making an incision: A skin incision is made behind the ear, reaching the mastoid bone. The doctor takes care to make this incision in a way that will make the scar less visible later.
2. Opening the bone: The mastoid bone is opened using special instruments.
3. Removal of infected parts: Infected air chambers and other diseased tissue are carefully removed.
4. Suturing: The incision is closed again and sutured.
5. Covering the wound: The wound is covered with clean gauze.
This surgery usually takes about two or three hours to complete.
Remember, you will not feel any pain during the surgery, but it is normal to experience some discomfort after the surgery.
Is there any pain after the surgery?
The incision behind the ear may cause some pain, a feeling of heaviness in the ear, or a feeling of blockage. These are normal conditions. To control this pain, you can use painkillers such as paracetamol (`acetaminophen`) or ibuprofen, as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will give you a set of instructions to help you stay comfortable during the healing period. Follow them carefully.
What are the benefits and risks of this surgery?
Like any surgery, Mastoidectomy has both benefits and risks.
| Advantages | Risks |
|---|---|
|
|
How long does it take to heal and what are the results?
It can take about 6 to 12 weeks to fully recover. However, most people can return to their normal activities (work, school) in about a week or two.
Mastoidectomy surgery is generally successful. However, the results depend on the reason for the surgery and the type of surgery performed. The most important thing to understand here is that the primary goal of this surgery is not to restore hearing, but to protect your life by removing the infection that could cause more serious problems. It is normal to experience some hearing loss, especially after a major surgery like a Radical Mastoidectomy. Your doctor will explain this to you in advance.
When should I see the doctor again?
When you go home after surgery, if you experience any of the following symptoms , you should call your doctor immediately.
- A fever of 100.5 Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) or higher.
- Excessive bleeding or pus-like fluid from the ear.
- A weak or lifeless appearance on one side of the face.
- Dizziness (vertigo) or severe headache.
- Sudden loss of hearing.
If you have persistent ear infections, don't ignore them and see a doctor for advice. A mastoidectomy may be the best solution to your problem. This surgery can remove the infection and improve your overall health and quality of life.
Take-Home Message
- Mastoidectomy is a surgery to remove an infection from the mastoid bone behind the ear.
- This is mainly done to remove persistent ear infections and a type of tumor called cholesteatoma.
- The primary goal of the surgery is to remove the infection, which can cause serious complications, rather than improving hearing.
- Following the doctor's instructions exactly after surgery is essential for a speedy recovery.
- If you experience any warning signs after surgery, such as fever, excessive bleeding, or facial weakness, notify your doctor immediately.
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