Cortical mastoidectomy

What is it?

Mastoidectomy is a surgical procedure for chronic infection in middle ear which involves repair of hole in the ear drum and clearance of disease from the middle ear and the bone (mastoid) behind the ear. 

What is the aim of the procedure?

The main purpose of the procedure is to identify and remove the disease present in the middle ear and to repair the ossicles and ear drum to improve the hearing. Closing the hole in the ear drum  prevents infection of the external ear entering the middle ear, and improves hearing in case of hearing loss due to hole in the ear drum.

What is done during the procedure?

During the procedure the middle ear is examined to identify and remove the disease present in the middle ear and the mastoid and to repair the ossicles and ear drum to improve the hearing. It is performed through an incision behind the ear.

The procedure will be carried out under general anaesthesia. If you have any anaesthetic concerns, please discuss with your anaesthesia.

What are the risks associated with the procedure?

• Infection of the operated site.

• Failure of the graft uptake leading to persistence of the perforation.

• Bleeding.

• Discharge from the ear.

• Dizziness.

• Facial nerve palsy.

Post-operative care and follow-up:

Following the procedure, you will be having a dressing over the ear which will be changed on the day after the surgery. Tingling sensation/numbness around the ear, crackling sensation in the ear and reddish discharge from the ear are expected for a period of upto 1 month after the surgery.

You will be discharged on the day following the surgery, if no complications are encountered. Suture removal will be performed on the 7th postoperative day. You may have to be on follow-up with your doctor for upto 3 months. 

General precautions to be followed:

• Avoid sleeping on the side of the operated ear until complete wound healing occurs. 

• Swimming, air travel, straining, cold food intake are to be avoided. 

• Forceful blowing of nose and head bath for 2-4 weeks. 

• Keep ear canal dry by placing a cotton plug coated with Vaseline® petroleum jelly or coconut oil during shower for a period of 1 month.