Mastoidectomy (Ear)
A Mastoidectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove an infected portion of the mastoid bone when conventional medical treatment has proven ineffective.
The mastoid bone sits behind the ear and consists of air spaces that help drain the middle ear.
The Procedure & Recovery
Surgery: Performed under general anaesthesia, the operation typically takes 2 to 4 hours. An incision is made behind the ear to access the bone.
Hospital Stay: Most patients return home the same day or after one night of observation.
Immediate Aftercare: You will wake up with a head bandage and packing inside the ear canal. You must keep the ear completely dry for several weeks.
Ear Care: Do not remove inner packing. If packing falls out, contact your surgeon. Keep dressings on for 24 hours then, if required, reapply at night for 10 days.
Pain Relief/Medication: Use prescribed pain relief or over-the-counter medicine such as Panadol or Paracetamol.
Recovery Timeline: Most people return to school or work within 1 to 2 weeks, though full healing of the mastoid cavity can take 6 to 12 weeks.
Potential Risks
While generally safe, risks can include:
- Taste Changes: A metallic or unusual taste, often temporary, due to a nerve running through the ear.
- Hearing Loss: While the goal is to make the ear safe, hearing may not improve and can sometimes worsen, especially in radical procedures.
Post Operative Instructions
You will be given instructions for your care prior to your surgery along with your surgery booking letter.
When to Contact a Doctor
- Sudden or severe dizzy spells (vertigo).
- Fever, increased pain, or foul-smelling yellow or green discharge.
- Total loss of hearing in the operated ear.
- Significant swelling or significant, continuous bleeding.
Please go to the emergency department of the hospital where you had your surgery. The nursing staff will advise Dr Kelly once they have assessed you.