Mastoidectomy
A surgical procedure to remove infected air cells from the mastoid bone behind the ear, performed to clear chronic middle ear infection and prevent it from spreading to nearby structures.
Who Needs It
Recommended for patients with chronic mastoiditis, a cholesteatoma (abnormal skin growth in the middle ear), or persistent ear infections that have not resolved with antibiotics or other conservative treatment, especially when there is a risk of the infection spreading further.
How It's Performed
Under general anaesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision behind the ear to access the mastoid bone and removes the infected air cells and any diseased tissue, such as a cholesteatoma. Depending on the extent of disease, the eardrum or middle ear bones may also be repaired in the same operation.
Preparing for Surgery
Before surgery, patients undergo a hearing test, ear examination and imaging such as a CT scan to assess the extent of infection and plan the surgical approach. The ear must be free of active drainage where possible before the procedure.
Benefits
Mastoidectomy clears persistent infection from the mastoid bone, reduces the risk of serious complications such as the infection spreading to the brain or facial nerve, and can help preserve or improve hearing when combined with ear reconstruction.
Risks & Complications
As with any ear surgery, mastoidectomy carries some risk, including infection, dizziness, changes in taste, facial nerve weakness, or hearing changes. Your surgeon will discuss your individual risk factors beforehand and take steps to minimise these risks.
Life After Surgery
Most patients experience resolution of chronic ear infection and discharge, with recovery of balance and any temporary dizziness typically settling over the following weeks.
Price Range
Price on Consultation
Recovery Timeline
The ear is dressed and protected, with water kept out of the ear canal while initial healing takes place and any dizziness gradually settles.
Regular follow-up visits allow the surgeon to monitor healing of the incision and ear, with activity restrictions gradually eased as advised.
A follow-up hearing test and review of balance confirm full recovery, guiding any further treatment such as hearing rehabilitation if needed.