What is mastidectomy?

Chronic inner ear infection can sometimes lead to a cell type infection called mastoid air cells that are located in the inner ear. Occasionally, this can lead to a mastoid bone infection, which is also located in this area. If this happens, it may be necessary to perform a surgery of mastidectomy to repair the problem. This type of surgery involves removing infected mastoid cells from inner ear and infected mastoid bones. Mastidectomy is no longer common surgery in most developed countries; In developing countries, however, there is still a relatively common procedure. This is because untreated inner ear infections are more likely to infect mastoid air cells. This space is operated and contains air and cells. Infections of this space can lead to mastoid bone infection, which in turn can lead to serious side effects. The most common of these is the ears. In more serious cases, the nerves of the ears and faces may be damaged, leading to potential hearing loss, the paralysis of the face and the damage to the balance.

During the procedure, the patient is under a general anesthetic. Behind the ear or above the ear is made, through which infected cells and bones are removed. The procedure may take up to three hours, depending on how serious infection is. There are several types of mastidectomy.

The simplest form of surgery involves only the removal of mastoid cells; No bone is removed and the risk of hearing loss and other side effects is low. In radical mastoidectomy, part of the mastoid bone must be removed from the inner ear. This procedure may require also to remove other internal ear structures; Therefore, undergoing this operation can lead to hearing loss. In modified mastoidectomy, a part or all mastoid bone and possibly other bones of the middle ear are removed. Then the tympanoplasty is done, the procedure that attempts to reconstruct the earThe drum to try to keep the hearing.

Many people can go home on the day the operation is performed; However, complete recovery often takes several weeks. Most patients experience mild discomfort after the procedure, but severe pain is unusual and may indicate infection. Possible side effects include dizziness or damage damage, partial hearing loss, infection, tinnitus and weakness of the face muscle. The extent of side effects is usually dependent on the extent of surgery, while radical surgery is at risk of more serious side effects.