Mastoid surgery, also known as a mastoidectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove diseased cells from the air-filled spaces within the mastoid bone, located behind the ear in the skull.
Here's a breakdown of what mastoid surgery entails:
Purpose of Mastoid Surgery:
- Treating Cholesteatoma: This is a common reason for mastoidectomy. A cholesteatoma is an abnormal skin growth in the middle ear and mastoid bone that can damage hearing and other structures.
- Treating Ear Infections: When ear infections spread to the mastoid bone (mastoiditis) and become unresponsive to antibiotics, surgery might be necessary.
- Other Reasons: Less frequently, mastoid surgery may be performed to place a cochlear implant or address other ear-related problems.
What Happens During a Mastoidectomy?
The surgeon will access the mastoid bone, usually through an incision behind the ear. The diseased cells and any other abnormal tissue are then carefully removed. Depending on the extent of the disease and the type of surgery, reconstruction of the middle ear may also be performed.
Types of Mastoidectomy:
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Simple Mastoidectomy: Involves removing only the infected air cells within the mastoid bone.
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Radical Mastoidectomy: Removes the mastoid air cells, the eardrum, and some of the middle ear structures. This is typically reserved for extensive disease that cannot be treated with more conservative methods. Hearing is usually significantly affected.
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Modified Radical Mastoidectomy: Similar to a radical mastoidectomy, but some or all of the eardrum and middle ear bones are preserved to maintain or improve hearing.
Recovery:
Recovery time varies depending on the type of mastoidectomy performed. Expect some discomfort, drainage, and hearing changes in the initial period. Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing and hearing.
In summary, mastoid surgery is a procedure designed to address disease within the mastoid bone, most commonly resulting from cholesteatoma or infection, and the specific type of surgery will depend on the extent and nature of the underlying problem.
