Mastoidectomy surgery is one of the most important methods of treating diseases such as chronic inflammation of the mastoid, cholesteatoma (middle ear cyst) and other lesions related to the middle ear and its adjacent structures. This surgery can greatly help to improve the infection and maintain or restore hearing function. It requires skill, accurate diagnosis and post-operative care. href="https://gcorp.cc/">GCORP LLC, you can learn about mastoidectomy surgery methods, complications and aftercare.

What is mastoidectomy?

The human ear has a complex and delicate structure whose function goes beyond receiving sound.... This important organ of the body plays an important role in maintaining balance, understanding the environment and even communicating effectively.... One of the lesser-known but vital parts of the ear is an area called the mastoid... the bony part behind the ear that is covered with numerous air cells and is directly connected to the middle ear.

In some special conditions such as chronic and deep infections of the middle ear, the growth of masses such as cholesteatoma or even ear cancer, this area is exposed to frequent injuries and inflammations.... In such cases, otolaryngology doctors use a relatively specialized surgical method called mastoidectomy to preserve the hearing structure and prevent the spread of infection or damage to the parts near the ear..

The purpose of this surgery is to remove infected or damaged air cells in the mastoid bone (the bone behind the ear). This surgery is performed when the disease does not improve with drug treatments such as antibiotics and the bone part is involved in the infection.

How is mastoidectomy surgery?

Mastoidectomy surgery is performed under general anesthesia and includes several precise and critical steps, which are mentioned in full below.

1- Anesthesia and patient preparation

In the first stage, the patient is completely unconscious and is placed in a position where the surgeon can easily access the area behind the ear.

2- Cut behind the ear

After using disinfectants in the area behind the ear, an incision is made in this area so that the doctor can access the mastoid bone.

3- Opening the mastoid bone

At this stage, the doctor scrapes and removes infected or damaged air cells from the mastoid bone using special surgical tools.

4- Removal of cholesteatoma (if any)

At this stage, the doctor carefully removes the cholesteatoma (a skin lesion created in the middle ear) so that the bone is not exposed to destruction... This stage is only done if needed.

5- Reconstruction (if needed)

If middle ear structures such as the ossicles are damaged, a reconstruction method may be used to improve hearing function.

6- Closing the wound

At the end of the operation, the desired area is sutured and a suitable dressing is placed on the ear... Also, in some patients, ear suction is used to remove the remaining secretions and reduce the pressure.

7- Post-operative care

The patient is transferred to the recovery department and is under observation.... At this stage, antibiotics and painkillers are used to reduce possible complications.

When is mastoidectomy surgery performed?

Mastoidectomy surgery is prescribed when other treatment methods do not work or the disease has progressed to such an extent that it is considered a threat to the patient's overall health... Below are some common situations that require this surgery.

Chronic middle ear infection (chronic otitis)

When a chronic ear infection does not respond to medical treatment and involves nearby structures such as the mastoid bone.

Presence of cholesteatoma

This destructive mass gradually destroys the bones and the only definitive way to treat it is mastoidectomy surgery.

Frequent infections with high fever and pus discharge from the ear

This situation can lead to the formation of an abscess or involvement of the meningeal membrane and the brain, which can only be treated with surgery.

Treatment of ear cancer or metastasis

In this situation, surgery is used to remove malignant tumors in or around the mastoid area.

Complications of mastoidectomy surgery

Mastoidectomy surgery is considered one of the common and relatively safe surgeries in the field of ear, nose and throat, but like any other surgery, it may be associated with complications... The risk of this surgery depends on the type of mastoidectomy (simple, radical or modified), the extent of the disease, the skill of the surgeon and the general health of the patient..

• Hearing loss: Depending on the severity of the primary disease and the extent of the surgery, sometimes the patient has a temporary or permanent hearing loss... In cases where surgery is performed with the aim of removing nearby tumors, such as acoustic neuroma (a benign tumor of the auditory nerve), the risk of damage to the hearing structure increases.
• Damage to the facial nerve: The facial nerve passes near the mastoid area.... If this nerve is damaged during surgery, the patient may experience facial muscle weakness or temporary or permanent paralysis on one side of the face.
• Dizziness or imbalance: Due to the proximity of the balancing structures of the inner ear to the surgical area, some patients may experience dizziness or unsteadiness in walking after the operation.
• Otorrhea: If the infection persists or there are mucosal reactions to structural changes, temporary or chronic discharge may emerge from the ear.
• Surgical site infection: Although the goal of mastoidectomy is to eliminate infection, as with any surgery, there is a possibility of infection in the area of ​​the incision or cavity created... In this situation, the person may need to take antibiotics or clean again.
• Tinnitus: Some patients feel a ringing or ringing in their ears after the operation, which can be temporary or permanent.
• Cerebrospinal fluid leak (Cerebrospinal fluid leak): In rare cases and when the disease has spread to the skull or brain cavity, there is a possibility of cerebrospinal fluid leaking through the ear, which requires immediate intervention.
• Cholesteatoma re-formation: In some patients, even after complete resection, the epithelial mass of cholesteatoma may grow again in the following years and reoperation is required.

Care after mastoidectomy surgery

The recovery period and care after mastoidectomy is as important as the surgery itself.... These cares help a lot to speed up the recovery process and prevent unwanted complications.... Usually, the patient is discharged after one or more nights in the hospital, but following medical recommendations in the days and weeks after surgery plays an important role in his health.... Important points mentioned below after this surgery.

• Adequate rest and lack of intense activity
• Avoid bending, lifting heavy objects and vigorous activities
• Timely change of dressing
• Preventing water from entering the ear
• Using medicines prescribed by a doctor
• After the exam sessions
• Avoid strong blowing or blowing air in the nose
• proper diet and consumption of soft foods

What is radical mastoidectomy surgery?

Radical mastoidectomy surgery is a more advanced type of this surgery that is used in very severe or advanced cases such as extensive cholesteatoma or ear cancer.. In this method, mastoid cells and all infectious structures and sometimes bones and parts of the auditory canal are completely removed.. This surgery is very invasive, but it is very effective in controlling threatening diseases such as extensive cholesteatoma or malignant tumors.

Final speech

Mastoidectomy surgery is one of the most important and life-saving treatment methods for severe diseases of the middle ear and mastoid bone.... If you have any questions about mastoidectomy surgery and its methods, you can visit GCORP LLC and consult with the best specialist doctors, including an otolaryngologist, online.. Also, the company GCORP LLC has made it possible for you to make an appointment with the specialist of your choice through the online appointment system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources: clevelandclinic | medlineplus | Health line mkuh.nhs