MASTOIDECTOMY

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What is a mastoidectomy?

A mastoidectomy is a procedure that removes mastoid air cells from the hollow, air-filled areas behind the ear in the mastoid bone. A mastoidectomy is typically performed to treat a mastoid air cell infection, a condition caused by an ear infection that has migrated to the bone in the skull.

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Types of mastoidectomies

Mastoidectomy can be done in a variety of ways, including:

• Simple mastoidectomy is where the surgeon opens your mastoid bone, removes the contaminated air cells and empties your middle ear.
• A radical mastoidectomy involves removing your mastoid air cells, eardrum, most of your middle ear structures and your ear canal. This procedure is only used in the case of severe mastoid illness.
• Modified radical mastoidectomy is a less invasive version of radical mastoidectomy that involves removing the mastoid air cells and specific, but not all, middle ear structures.

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Reasons for a mastoidectomy

Chronic otitis media (COM) can be treated with a mastoidectomy. Chronic ear infection in the middle ear is known as COM. A cholesteatoma, or skin cyst, can develop as a result of these chronic infections. The cyst grows slowly and can cause serious complications such as:

• Brain abscess
• Deafness
• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Damage to your facial nerve that causes facial paralysis
• Meningitis or inflammation of your brain's membranes
• Labyrinthitis or inflammation of your inner ear
• Ongoing ear drainage

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What does a mastoidectomy entail?

A mastoidectomy is typically performed under general anaesthesia. During surgery, Dr Nel may employ a facial nerve monitor. The facial nerve is less likely to be injured as a result of this. Your surgeon will make an incision behind your ear to reach your mastoid bone. The contaminated air cells with be removed and the site will be stitched closed.