Brisbane, QLD 4000
Doctors : Click here to refer a patient
Dr Sharon Kelly Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon
07 3831 7866 Brisbane, QLD admin@drsharonkellyent.com.au

Post Operative Instructions Mastoidectomy (Ear)

Post Operative Instructions: Mastoidectomy - Ear

  • Avoid driving for at least 24 hours post-surgery, or until you are no longer taking sedating pain medication and can perform an emergency stop comfortably.
  • Keep the ear scrupulously dry. Use a cotton ball coated in petroleum jelly (Vaseline) over the ear canal when showering, starting 1 to 4 days after surgery, as instructed by your doctor.
  • Incision Care: If an incision was made behind the ear, it is often covered with Steri-Strips. Leave them in place until they fall off, typically within 10 to 12 days.
  • Avoid lifting heavy objects, straining, bending over, or swimming for 2 to 4 weeks.
  • Avoid blowing your nose for 3 to 4 weeks. If you must sneeze or cough, do so with your mouth open.
  • Expect mild ear pain and discomfort, particularly when chewing, for 2 to 4 weeks. Use prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.

Common Temporary Side Effects

  • Drainage: Mild, blood-stained discharge is normal and can be managed with a cotton ball in the outer ear.
  • Hearing Changes: The ear will feel blocked or filled with fluid, causing muffled hearing, which improves as packing is removed.
  • 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.
  • Numbness: Numbness of the ear is normal and may last for several weeks or months.
  • Taste/Sound: A metallic taste or temporary ringing (tinnitus) may occur.

When to Contact a Doctor

If you experience any of these symptoms:

  • 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 where you had your surgery. The nursing staff will advise Dr Kelly once they have assessed you. For any other concerns please contact Dr Kelly’s rooms on 07 3831 7866 during working hours.

Follow-Up

A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled 1 to 3 weeks after surgery to remove packing and check the healing progress. Dr Kelly’s rooms will be in contact with you to schedule a post operative appointment.