Mastoidectomy (Surgical treatment of mastoiditis)
When is a mastoidectomy necessary?
As a result of a middle ear infection (acute or chronic otitis media), inflammation can occur in the cavity of the mastoideus behind the ear. Although an opening or perforation usually develops on the eardrum, the inflammatory discharge cannot be emptied.
Due to the accumulation of secretion, pain, redness, and swelling may occur in the bone behind the ear, possibly accompanied by a fever. Less commonly, perforation can also develop due to an injury to the eardrum.
Perforation causes hearing loss. The patient’s ears must not be touched by water, for example, they cannot go to the swimming pool or the beach. If the auditory chain is damaged due to infection or injury, the hearing will continue to deteriorate.
Inflammation of the mastoideus can be eliminated with surgery. During surgery, depending on the degree of inflammation found in the ear, the continuity of the chain of the auditory bone can also be restored.
How does the intervention take place?
The operation can be performed under local or general anaesthesia. In the case of acute inflammation, a possible abscess or complication, if there are no contraindications to anaesthesia, this is preferred.
During the surgical solution of mastoiditis (mastoidectomy), after making a skin incision behind the ear, the cells of the mastoideus are opened with a drill, the inflammatory discharge is emptied, and the secretion is allowed to flow towards the tympanic cavity. Most of the surgery is done under an operating microscope. If the auditory chain is damaged, it is also possible to replace some of its parts. The auditory ossicle chain can be simultaneously replaced with a small piece of bone taken from auditory ossicle and precisely shaped, but small metal or plastic prostheses designed to the required shape can also be implanted.
The surgeon decides on the possible methods of reconstruction during the operation, after removing the inflamed parts. After the surgery, the wound is closed with sutures, and a tampon is inserted into the auditory cavity and the cavity of the mastoideus.
What are the risks of surgery?
After local anaesthesia, due to the proximity of the facial nerve, a temporary disturbance of facial movement occurs, but this disappears by the next day at the latest, but more often by the evening of the operation. Due to the vasoconstrictor adrenaline in the anaesthetic agent, which is given to reduce bleeding, temporary palpitations and malaise are possible after the anaesthesia. Very rarely, a drug hypersensitivity reaction may occur after anaesthesia.
The general risks of surgery (thrombosis, embolism, wound infection, abnormal bleeding life-threatening and pathological febrile conditions, abnormal circulatory reactions) are rare in a healthy individual, but may occur.
After the operation, the patient may experience ear pain, tingling, mild tinnitus and headache. The site and surroundings of the surgical wound remain numb for a longer period, and the wound might bleed through the bandage. Since the head permanently was turned to the side during the operation, neck pain and mild, uncertain dizziness may occur. If it was also necessary to replace the auditory ossicles, slight dizziness may occur, especially when turning the head.
How should I prepare for mastoidectomy?
In the period before surgery, it is even more important to avoid the company of feverish, catarrhal patients due to the increased risk of infection, and to keep your ears away from water. If you notice signs of an upper respiratory tract infection, notify our case manager immediately!
You will find all the necessary information about the surgery and anaesthesia in the patient information and consent form received in person or by email before the operation, please read it, sign it with a witness and bring it to the anaesthetist consultation and to the operation.
What do I have to do after surgery?
In the immediate postoperative period, the patient may feel dizzy for a week. If you feel weak or vulnerable, do not drive alone. If the bandage bleeds profusely, or in case of fever and severe dizziness, the attending physician must be informed. During the operation, a tampon is placed approx. for a week, the purpose of which is to facilitate the drainage of secretions. During tamponade, hearing is still bad, slight tinnitus may occur. Blowing your nose is contraindicated for 3 weeks.
Expected hearing improvement from surgery develops approx. by the 6th week after surgery. Until then, water must not touch the area behind the ear and the hearing cavity. The patient fully recovers after 6-8 weeks, at which time they become able to work. Hearing improvement is usually not expected from surgery due to complications, the goal is to prevent complications from spreading further. Dizziness caused by inflammation of the inner ear can last for one or two months, depending on age.
Why are regular follow-up examinations important after surgery?
One week after surgery, you must attend the first follow-up examination, then two weeks and six weeks later. During the first check-up, the tampon in the hearing cavity and the sutures are removed. During the second check-up, the integration rate of the new eardrum is assessed. In the sixth week, the already final eardrum and tympanic cavity status is assessed, and then we refer the patient for a hearing test.
What is included in the price of a mastoidectomy at Medicover Hospital?
The price of mastoidectomy includes the cost of the operation, as well as the post-operative hospital stay and follow-up fees.
The fee for the preliminary specialist consultation and pre-surgery examinations is not part of the surgery fee, please contact our Customer Service for the cost of these.
Amenities
We accommodate our clients in a modern, pleasant, air-conditioned single room. Each room has its own bathroom, refrigerator and television, and free WIFI access is also available. We also provide our patients with the supervision of an individual nurse, who will assist you in your continuous recovery during your stay.