Mastoidectomy

Definition

A mastoidectomy is a surgical procedure that removes an infected portion of the mastoid bone when medical treatment is not effective.

Purpose

A mastoidectomy is performed to remove infected mastoid air cells resulting from ear infections, such as mastoiditis or chronic otitis, or by inflammatory disease of the middle ear (cholesteatoma). The mastoid air cells are open spaces containing air that are located throughout the mastoid bone, the prominent bone located behind the ear that projects from the temporal bone of the skull. The air cells are connected to a cavity in the upper part of the bone, which is in turn connected to the middle ear. Aggressive infections in the middle ear can thus sometimes spread through the mastoid bone. When antibiotics can't clear this infection, it may be necessary to remove the infected area by surgery. The primary goal of the surgery is to completely remove infection so as to produce an infection-free ear. Mastoidectomies are also performed sometimes to repair paralyzed facial nerves.

Demographics

According to the American Society for Microbiology, middle ear infections increased in the United States from approximately three million cases in 1975 to over nine million in 1997. Middle ear infections are now the second leading cause of office visits to physicians, and this diagnosis accounts for over 40% of all outpatient antibiotic use. Ear infections are also very common in children between the ages of six months and two years. Most children have at least one ear infection before their eighth birthday.

Description

A mastoidectomy is performed with the patient fully asleep under general anesthesia. There are several different types of mastoidectomy procedures, depending on the amount of infection present:

Simple (or closed) mastoidectomy. The operation is performed through the ear or through a cut (incision) behind the ear. The surgeon opens the mastoid bone and removes the infected air cells. The eardrum is incised to drain the middle ear. Topical antibiotics are then placed in the ear.
Radical mastoidectomy. The procedure removes the most bone and is usually performed for extensive spread of a cholesteatoma. The eardrum and middle ear structures may be completely removed. Usually the stapes, the "stirrup" shaped bone, is spared if possible to help preserve some hearing.
Modified radical mastoidectomy. In this procedure, some middle ear bones are left in place and the eardrum is rebuilt by tympanoplasty.

After surgery, the wound is stitched up around a drainage tube and a dressing is applied.

Diagnosis/Preparation

The treating physician gives the patient a thorough ear, nose, and throat examination and uses detailed diagnostic tests, including an audiogram and imaging studies of the mastoid bone using x rays or CT scans to evaluate the patient for surgery.

The patient is prepared for surgery by shaving the hair behind the ear on the mastoid bone. Mild soap and a water solution are commonly used to cleanse the outer ear and surrounding skin.

Aftercare

The drainage tube inserted during surgery is typically removed a day or two later.

Painkillers are usually needed for the first day or two after the operation. The patient should drink fluids freely. After the stitches are removed, the bulky mastoid dressing can be replaced with a smaller dressing if the ear is still draining. The patient is given antibiotics for several days.

The patient should inform the physician if any of the following symptoms occur:

bright red blood on the dressing
stiff neck or disorientation (These may be signs of meningitis.)
facial paralysis, drooping mouth, or problems swallowing

Risks

Complications do not often occur, but they may include:

persistent ear discharge
infections, including meningitis or brain abscesses
hearing loss
facial nerve injury (This is a rare complication.)
temporary dizziness
temporary loss of taste on the side of the tongue

Normal results

The outcome of a mastoidectomy is a clean, healthy ear without infection. However, both a modified radical and a radical mastoidectomy usually result in less than normal hearing. After surgery, a hearing aid may be considered if the patient so chooses.

Morbidity and mortality rates

In the United States, death from intracranial complications of cholesteatoma is uncommon due to earlier recognition, timely surgical intervention, and supportive antibiotic therapy. Cholesteatoma remains a relatively common cause of permanent, moderate, and conductive hearing loss.

Alternatives

Alternatives to mastoidectomy include the use of medications and delaying surgery. However, these alternative methods carry their own risk of complications and a varying degree of success. Thus, most physicians are of the opinion that patients for whom mastoidectomy is indicated should best undergo the operation, as it provides the patient with the best chance of successful treatment and the lowest risk of complications.

See also Tympanoplasty .

Resources

BOOKS

Fisch, H. and J. May. Tympanoplasty, Mastoidectomy, and Stapes Surgery. New York: Thieme Medical Pub., 1994.

PERIODICALS

Cristobal, F., Gomez-Ullate, R., Cristobal, I., Arcocha, A., and R. Arroyo. "Hearing results in the second stage of open mastoidectomy: A comparison of the different techniques." Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery 122 (May 2000): 350-351.

Garap, J. P., and S. P. Dubey. "Canal-down mastoidectomy: experience in 81 cases." Otology & Neurotology 22 (July 2001): 451-456.

Jang, C. H. "Changes in external ear resonance after mastoidectomy: open cavity mastoid versus obliterated mastoid cavity." Clinical Otolaryngology 27 (December 2002): 509-511.

Kronenberg, J., and L. Migirov. "The role of mastoidectomy in cochlear implant surgery." Acta Otolaryngologica 123 (January 2003): 219-222.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Inc. One Prince St., Alexandria VA 22314-3357. (703) 836-4444. http://www.entnet.org .

American Hearing Research Foundation. 55 E. Washington St., Suite 2022, Chicago, IL 60602. (312) 726-9670. http://www.american-hearing.org/ .

Better Hearing Institute. 515 King Street, Suite 420, Alexandria, VA 22314. (703) 684-3391.

OTHER

"Mastoidectomy series." MedlinePlus. <www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/presentations/100032_1.htm� E; .

Carol A. Turkington
Monique Laberge, Ph.D.

WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?

An mastoidectomy is performed in a hospital by surgeons specialized in otolaryngology, the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and diseases of the ears, nose and throat. The procedure usually takes between two and three hours. It is occasionally performed on an outpatient basis in adults but usually involves hospitalization.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

What are the alternatives to mastoidectomy?
What are the risks associated with the surgery?
How will the surgery affect hearing?
What are the possible alternative treatments?
How long will it take to recover from the surgery?
How many mastoidectomies do you perform each year?

User Contributions:

Jorge Castro

Feb 7, 2006 @ 7:07 am

My mother was given advice to perform a radical mastoidectomy.
She has cronical infection of the ear, suffers from diziness, and loss of hearing.

However, the doctor did not give success rates for her age group .
My mother is 70 years old. I think she would prefer to go for it if only she knew her chances (in fact she would go for it given an half chance (50%), such is her suffering)

Where can I find figures for the success rate of this procedure, for her age group?

michelle

Apr 6, 2006 @ 4:04 am

my brother had a mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty performed several years ago. (i cant remember what type of mastoidectomy it was.) yet, even up to now, he still continues to have ear infections. sometimes, as often as once in 2 months, to which the doctor prescribes heavy dosage antibiotics such as zinnat and augmentin. we do not like him to be always taking antibiotics since he has problems with his kidneys too (glomerulonephritis). our doctor is suggesting for another operation to prevent complications from cholesteatoma. why does he continue to have ear infections now, even after he already had a mastoidectomy? if we have the mastoidectomy operation done now, will the infections stop or will it still recur? thank you so much for providing helpful information.

vikas bhuta

Jul 16, 2007 @ 9:09 am

my sister is 48 and she is suffering with the infection in the ear since last 3 year and dr milind lele baroda india has advise mastoidectomy . i am in tension about the hearing loss and result of the operation.

can you suggest what to do and what will be the success ratio and any other option instead of surgery

vikas bhuta

india

beverley

Mar 19, 2008 @ 3:15 pm

my son had a radical mastoidectomy two and a half years ago and he had two and a half of the bones removed from his ear, he came through it fine. He still gets ifections every now and then but the consultant at the hospital said he would, but the infection is treated with antibiotics and it does the trick now but before the op nothing worked so although it was a nightmare i am glad he had the op.Beverley, Birmingham,England, UK.

TINA

Sep 2, 2008 @ 3:15 pm

HI
MY MOTHER WHOM IS 65 YEARS OF AGE HAS HAD ONGOING EAR INFECTIONS SINCE I CAN REMEMBER AND NOW HAS A LARGE TUMOR IN HER EAR ,SHE HAS ALREADY HAD SOME DRAWING OF HER FACE AND HAS SEVERE RINGING IN HER EARS , I AM CONCERNED OF TOTAL HEARING LOSS WITH THIS SURGERY AND ALSO HAVING THE POSSIBILITY OF ONGOING EAR INFECTIONS
WHAT CAN I DO TO RELIEVE HER STRESS AND WORRY ABOUT HER OPERATION
THANK YOU
TINA W

Kev McConnell

May 22, 2009 @ 5:05 am

My younger brother of 14 years old is about to have his fifth mastoidectomy, under going his first at only the age of 5. After each operation, promisis were made that the infection would not re-occur. However, they did. Each time he underwent an operation, more and more bones were removed from his ear. It now has got to the stage where there is nothing left to take out, yet his fifth is about to be performed. Why does this keep coming back and how dangerous can this be to remove??. Kev McConnell. Perth. Scotland

arnie s, tinio

Jul 7, 2009 @ 2:02 am

after mastoidectomy,what are the dos and donts in caring the ear and the wound .inorder not to experience again the mastoiditis syndrome.as i read the above comments that mastoiditis always coming back maybe cause of unsanitary cleaning right after the operation . and maybe the whole affected bone not fully removed.thank you and more power!arnie s. tinio philippines

Christie Clarke

Jul 19, 2009 @ 1:01 am

I had a radical Mastoidectomy at the age of 17. I'm now 35 years old and still my ear drains, now to the point where it has a really bad odor.I've been going to one doctor to get it drained out because he suggest that I should not get another surgery due to my facial paralysis after the first one.My new doctor said if I don't get another Mastoidectomy, the inflammation may cause brain damage and or permenant facial paralysis. Is my new doctor correct?

Bev Towse

Jul 19, 2009 @ 12:12 pm

I had a radical mastoidectomy when I was 29 years old and continued to suffer with discharge from the ear for about 6 years after the surgery and thought it was never going to end. I had 4 weekly visits to the hospital for it to be cleaned and have a wick put in, which is a dressing soaked in antibiotics.
I am 39 years old now and pleased that I had the surgery although it was very painful at the time. I was quite deaf in the ear before surgery and even deafer after, which I was warned about but because the stape was left behind I was able to wear a hearing aid. I wear hearing aids in both ears and can hear really well.

Gill

Aug 22, 2009 @ 7:07 am

My 11 year old son had a mastoidectomy in feb this year. He had bone, some of his eardrum taken out, also muscle taken out the back of his head and put in his ear, then a titanium frisby. 6 hours in theatre,i thought it would have been the end of his infections and pain he goes through. It has not. He has had ongoing problems since the op. He has been in and out of hospital since with infections. He just had another op to drain an absese from under the scar behind his ear. He has not done a full week at school because of ear infections. he has to go through it all again in feb next year. I am at a point now, and thinking is it worth putting him through this, as the risks are of putting, and the ops dont seem to be very succesfull. Is it real necessary that he has to get another big op???

Good Advice

Oct 8, 2009 @ 10:10 am

You all need to get professional medical advice from your family member's treating physician and surgeon. An internet forum is not a good place to get medical advice - despite this being a fairly comprehensive and accurate patient information summary.

You want advice? Go with your family member to see your doctor...

michelle

Oct 8, 2009 @ 9:21 pm

Dear Doctor,
I am diagnosed with bilateral cholesteatoma. And I am suggested to have a radical mastoidectomy. I have discharge for 1 year and since last month there was no more pus coming out from my right ear. I did a CT scan and the doctor said I have cholesteatoma in both of my ears. I would like to know if it is possible that I do not do the operation? Since I do not have complete hearing both of my ears, I do not want to take the risk to loss them all.
Please help!
Michelle

Belinda Stair

Nov 17, 2009 @ 6:06 am

i found out that i had a mastoid operation when i was a little girl (not exactly sure what age) but i know it was before i was 7.From that time on i was in and out of foster care and no follow up treatment was ever done.What iwould like to know is,should there be follow up treatment or anything that has to be done on a regular basis for the rest of my life,as i do get alot of dizziness and presure in the head and sometimes tend to lose hearing while the dizziness is occuring.Could this be from that operation all those years ago or could it be something else.
thankyou.

Lyda Diiwa

Dec 3, 2009 @ 11:11 am

I just have mastoidectomy surgery two months ago, my questioned is how many months before my ear be healed and how come I have my dizziness all the time. Is this normal? How long do I have to suffer for this dizziness. I would very greatful if you are going response my questioned. I thank you in advance.

janet

Dec 14, 2009 @ 6:18 pm

there is a cyst behind the mastoid bone and a hole will be drilled to removed. What are the complications?

Thomas

Dec 27, 2009 @ 2:14 pm

I had a mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty done about a month ago. I am still in some pain from it. The thing that is bothering me the most is the ear drum pain, the actual cut behind my ear was rarely noticed.

james

Jan 23, 2010 @ 3:03 am

i am a singer and dancer and perform all over the world i am about to have a mastoidectomy and i am worried i will have to finish my carer especially if i get facial paralasis is it better to prolong the op until later in life as i am only 29 x

JASON

Jan 25, 2010 @ 10:22 pm

Hello, I have a cholesteatoma, one doctor suggested a Radical mastoidectomy, as soon as possible, however I did get a second opinion, and the doctor said he could just operate me using a laser. Im really worried and confused I do not know what to do. Can this problem be solved by laser, through the inside of the ear? THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.

Jenni

Feb 19, 2010 @ 3:15 pm

I had a mastoidectomy 3 years ago and I still get infections often. I was also left with almost no hearing in that ear. I've found that if I proactively go to the ENT every 6 months to get cleaned and checked, it greatly reduces the chances of infection. It hasn't been easy dealing with the aftermath of the surgery, but the complications of not doing anything about a cholesteatoma are much worse. Personally, I'd rather be deaf and have the occasional ear infection than facial paralysis.

Reyna

Apr 14, 2010 @ 8:08 am

I will be having a mastoidectomy in 2 weeks due to a 6 year long ear infection after the insertion of PEtubes.I am not thrilled with surgery but Im tired of painful infection and bad smelling drainage, anyone else have post op information.would like to prepare myself.I had hearing loss after the tubes were put in just seemed everything got muffled I have given up on the hopes of regaining any of my hearing but would like to be free of infection.and to the person who listed we shouldnt be coming to a forum sharing experiences helps some people and obviously if our DR's were answering our questions we wouldnt be looking for answers!

Don Morris

Apr 17, 2010 @ 6:18 pm

I recently had mastoidectomy surgery which was done successfully in Burlington,Massachusetts at the Lahey Clinic.
I had the ear canal and ear drum rebuilt along with the removal of the infection.
For the rest of my life I will have to go back every 6 months for a check-up as this disease can come back anytime.

kelly mccune

May 30, 2010 @ 8:08 am

Sometimes we have to say that enough is enough and accept they way we are i have a son that was born with with a brain disorder and i'm learing that myself he is 6 but congitve he is between 6-8 months old so i as mom have to decide when it's enough.GOOD LUCK with what you choose it's not easy by any means that's for sure.

meredith

Jun 17, 2010 @ 7:19 pm

When I was 9 I had a mastoid operation due to a continuos infection. I had that operation. It did not work. A year later at 10 years old I had a radical mastoid performed by Dr. Yanigasawa from New Haven CT. I had a bit of hearing loss and no infections (I did have a couple infections in my 20's but they were handled with antibiotics that worked 100%), and no smelly, bloody discharge!
I am 37 now, can hear fine. I cant get water in my ear or go underwater while swimming, but other then that I am 100% cured!

luther buckhurst

Jul 17, 2010 @ 5:17 pm

i am 54,i had a mastoid operation on left ear about 40 years ago,all i had at the time was tonsilitis and an ear infection.i had tonsils removed and instead of being given anti biotics,st thomas hospital in london did a mastoid operation on me. being a youg gullible lad i was in no position to object or question.what a result,i left hospital about 80 per cent death in left ear and have had a lifetime of problems. my gp always calls my ear a mess and cant understand why i had to hane severe surgery instead of anti biotics.it dosent end there, for the llast 25 years i have suffered with menieres desease because of this.i feel like my life has been put on hold for all this time.there is no cure.just constant buzzing tinitus,dizziness,drop attacks and sickness,suicidal thoughts.every day is a challenge to have a good day.i probably get a good day one in fifty.

vinay

Jul 25, 2010 @ 4:04 am

My mom 60 yrs have been diagnosed in ct scan with evidence of Mastoidectomy in her right ear also she had a perforation in the same year and a surgery was done before eight years ago in the same ear miringoplasty. doctors had given many antibiotics but nothing has helped yet, now doctor advice for a surgery in the rt ear ''mastoidectomy with typanoplasty''.

Is this types of surgery are successful with already some past surgery miringoplasty done on the same year.

Please help.

From,
Vinay jaiswal

Terri

Sep 20, 2010 @ 12:12 pm

In 1997 I had a Mastoidectomy with Tympoplasty, I had severe ear infections that ate through my eardrum, no matter what they tried the infection just got worse.
They tried the plug that they do in their office,(That hurt worse than anything) Maybe the forgot to numb it!! Anyway that lasted over night, by morning it was on my pillow case.
So they did the surgery, it is well worth it, the only problem I have with it is the sound is like you are under water, I know this is because it is not the eardrum you were born with, But sometimes I feel like there is something behind my ear drum, Like it needs to drain!
I still have a lot of ear infections, but they are mild compared to before the surgery!!

Thanks for letting me blow off some steam, if anyone else has these same feelings, sound off!!!

Terri

Sep 20, 2010 @ 3:15 pm

Dear Luther,
It sounds like you really need to talk to someone about your suicidal thoughts as soon as you can, I know this is about 2 months after you wrote this, But I have had these thoughts too, I acted on mine. I was lucky, I'm still here! Please get help!!

Micheal

Oct 7, 2010 @ 11:23 pm

I just had a mastoidectomy and tymponoplasty after dealing with problems my whole life with my ears three years ago I had the procedure done on my right side and this time on my left side. It was worse than the doctor anticipated and had to patch a hole in my skull because the infection ate through it exposing the brain lining. It has been 2 weeks since the procedure and it took a little while but I feel like I am starting to maintain balance and getting taste back, and hearing is starting to pick up.
THE RISKS FOR NOT HAVING THIS SURGERY WHEN RECOMMENDED CAN EVENTUALLY LEAD TO BRAIN ABSCESS(Infection of the brain),TOTAL LOSS OF HEARING and even death!
Risks from surgery include: Hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, and altered taste. More severe complications can include: Brain Abscess, Facial Paralysis, total loss of hearing. If you have a good ENT specialist than they will advise you of best options and always remember to write down questions you have b/c we always forget when we're in the moment.

MILLICENT ODERA

Oct 16, 2010 @ 6:06 am

MY SISTER MILLICENT HAD A RADICAL MASTOIDECTOMY WITH CHOLESTEOTOMA SURGERY. ITS' NOW THREE WEEKS BUT EAR SYRENGING HAS TO DONE ON THE OPERATED EAR. MY WORRY IS WILL SHE EVER GET BACK TO HER FEET AS SHE'S GOT THE BELLS AND FACIAL PALSY. EXPERIENCED VERTIGGO WAY BACK. HER HEARING IS COMPLETELY GONE AND SHE LOOKS TO BE IN HER OWN WORLD. I' DO EMPATHISE ALOT.
CONCERNED SISTER
FLORENCE

Swenios

Dec 10, 2010 @ 5:05 am

The Son of my sister is going to have Mastoidectomy, But the CTE Examinations Show inflammation of the right mastoid and the middle ear cavity that spreads into the auditory canal, without evidence of bone destruction or ossicular lysis.
The question is:

What is the type of Mastoidectomy necessary to his case, and through where the operation must be performed, through the ear or through a cut (incision) behind the ear?

10x for help

Katie

Jan 1, 2011 @ 5:17 pm

I had a radical mastoidectomy due to the extensive spread of a cholesteotoma. This has caused hearing loss but more importantly chronic infections and discomfort. The surgery was in 1995. What can I do to permanently reduce the frequency of these infections?

meghan

Jan 13, 2011 @ 9:09 am

Yeah im 18 had the op 2 years ago could only say worse pain ever has stopped the ear leak and smell but resulted in wearing hearing aids however I have always suffered with herein having had 4 pairs of grommets and this I don't even know what it is to this day and why they removed my bone but I have a serious build up of wax now that is rock solid and that's all I have now it also minimised ear aches after the op

lim pei wen

Jan 25, 2011 @ 6:06 am

i already done this radical modified cholestetoma along 7months, because the woundjust will dry after 1 yrs, now already 7months from op, but always infection on and off, like now is my fouth time infection, always drop the antibiotik drop into my ear and follow up doing suction, now 3month drop the sofradex 2drops tds, but still have discharge problem and sometimes have the abnormal sound, may i knw after this op, is it will often get discharge if the wound havent properly dry?

stephanie

Jan 31, 2011 @ 3:15 pm

Can one need a Mastoidectomy and not have anything show up on a MRI or CT scan?

Margaret

Feb 8, 2011 @ 8:20 pm

I had one of the first ever Tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy procedures by the medical pioneers who developed it, around 1970. My hearing was restored and I had no ill-effects whatsoever.

renss

Feb 17, 2011 @ 10:10 am

I am going to have mastoidectomy surgery next week.I have discharge for 4 month from my left ear.My doctor adviced me for the surgery.Doctor told me that i could hear 70% to 80% after surgery,right now my hearing is 100%.Its not emergency but after few years it will become emergency with major complications like Facial Paralysis,total loss of hearing,Brain Abscess etc.Perfect cure is surgery.

But now i am scared after reading this forum.The doctor told me that this surgery would cure it but many people here have another surgery and still have infection.

Renee

Mar 22, 2011 @ 3:15 pm

I am scheduled to have the "Mastoidectomy" and the "Tympanoplasty" procedures done in the next few weeks... These are repeat surgeries that I had done in 1992.
I to have had multiple ear problems and surgeries. I do know that I am going to have to see my E.N.T. every --so that he may examine my ears and catch any infections early on.
My question is, "Is there a place of the internet where people who are of "Bad-Ears-Anonymous" groups, or something... ;)

sharon

Mar 23, 2011 @ 5:17 pm

i had mastoidectomy last year i always get ear infections i wonder was there any point having the surgery?

dr praveen

Mar 31, 2011 @ 1:13 pm

jason,i am dr praveen,i am a ear surgeon practising in mysore,india.if you have been diagnosed with a cholesteatoma you will need surgery.laser is not the answer.the best procedure would be a mastoidectomy.

karen

Apr 18, 2011 @ 5:17 pm

i have a tumor wrapped around the back of my ear drum. its comming from the top and the doctor doesnt really know how big it is.he said i needed a tympoplasty mastoidectomy, the tumor is begnin. i just wanted to know is the supposed to be something you have the rest of your life? its called cholesteatoma, i think he called it that.and its supposed to be setting on the nerve that goes to half my face, what are the permanent risks to that?

June

May 8, 2011 @ 12:00 am

I had a right mastoidectomy many many years ago for BPPV. I now have MCF Encephaloceles. I can further explain with the result of my CT Scan. The Ct impression states: Postoperative changes involving the right temporal bone. There is a lobulated soft tissue density projecting into the superior aspect of the right mastoid cavity suspicious for meningoencephalocele. My doctor agrees with the meningoencephalocele. I am going to another physician for evaluation and treatment. Could the MCF Encephaloceles or meningocephalocele be caused from the mastoidectomy? Is there a treatment for this?
Thank you for you time and consideration.

Chris

May 23, 2011 @ 12:12 pm

chris
I had a mastoidectomy only a week ago still not had a full nights sleep. My ears still weeping at the moment and keep getting quite a lot of stabbing pains within my ear as anyone else experienced this and if so for how long. I havent found any comments on how theve felt after the op. Please share comments

Stephen Z

May 30, 2011 @ 4:16 pm

I had tympanoplasty w/ mastoidectomy about six weeks ago. While my hearing hasn't improved
and may in fact have gotten a bit worse (not totally unexpected), I can't say I'm displeased.
While the discharge I was experiencing FOR YEARS was treated effectively with antibiotic drops,
from all indication I won't have to be dealing with the chronic infection again. Down the line it appears I'll be undergoing another surgery to have a prosthetic bone grafted in my ear to hopefully restore some hearing. Guess what I'm saying is if yoyu have confidence in your surgeon, its pretty much a no-brainer having the surgery.

Dan

Jun 5, 2011 @ 5:05 am

Continues 2... Again, sorry for the spam, but the website's word filter blocked some bad word that didn't exist!

The surgery itself took nearly 6 hours, under full anesthesia. It is kind of a strange feeling, as I went "to sleep" at like 1pm and when I woke up it was like 8pm. I had to stay the night in the hospital, for further observation, but the next morning they sent me back home. The next couple of month I had to visit the doctors once every week for changing some sort of bandage - that's something related with wall down mastoidectomy - they put inside the ear (and couldn't hear a thing). But after the 2 months passed and the doctors completely removed the bandage I could feel my hearing improving to a very good level.

One thing to keep in mind is: Cholesteatomas produce the so-called "columella effect" (they actually conduct the sound through the middle ear, just like the little bones), so even if you have a cholesteatoma you can still have a very good hearing, and then believe you have no problem at all. CT scans are probably the best to identify a cholesteatoma properly (normal mastoid/middle ear structure should appear in a black colour - meaning it is "empty" -, but cholesteatoma will appear as a grey area filling all the cavity).

And as awkward as it may seem, experienced doctors are able to distinguish between normal middle ear otitis and cholesteatoma even from the unpleasant smell of the discharge. Believe it or not, one of the doctors smelt some drainage from my left ear to rule out the possibility of another cholesteatoma!!! O_o I had to have a tympanoplasty - more simple surgery - done in my left ear in 2010, but no cholesteatoma was found then. But they said I should keep monitoring the left ear as well, to make sure it won't develop another cholesteatoma, as the eardrum is a bit retracted on my left ear, even after the surgery (according to them, it has something to do with my mastoid bone anatomy).

So, to finish these long posts. Cholesteatomas are a serious problem, but can be treated, and the sooner the better. Recovery depends on the patient as well (I actually got this problem because I "loved" to clean my ears with cotton swabs, and perforated my own eardrum! That together with swimming and recurrent middle ear infection made the problem get worse and worse to the point I had this little 2cm diameter thingy grown inside my ear that could've killed me), so: No more ear cleaning (leave it to the doctors), no swimming if swimming causes you ear infection (likely to happen if you have a teared eardrum).

I hope my posts are somehow helpful to people facing the same problem I did!

Good luck to all of you! :)

RICHARD

Jun 19, 2011 @ 11:11 am

Hi there everyone wishing to perform mastoidectomy and or the ones who already have one done performed.
I had a full radical mastoidectomy perfomed on my left ear 51 years ago.. If any one is suffering from after effects such as pain, after infections , and needs adequate self treatment of the ear I can give you tons of prooven advice.
my email is greswell@hotmail.com
This is a difficult issue for the sufferers but life can still be pleasant.
best wishes to all open ear sufferers.

RICHARD

Jun 19, 2011 @ 11:11 am

Dee

Jul 12, 2011 @ 5:17 pm

I had Tympanomastoidectomy surgery 12 days ago. I am still experiencing quite bad shooting pains in my ear. Is this common? Packing is not due for removal for another week.

Lecia

Aug 3, 2011 @ 12:12 pm

I am so glad that I read your post I actually had this surgery in April I was also 29. I am still continuing with problems. So are you telling me there is hope? I am so sick of this and getting very discouraged and stressed about it. I am also getting a hearing aide next week. Please let me know what I can expect and when I can expect to feel relief.

Dee

Sep 11, 2011 @ 7:19 pm

I had radical mastoidectomy thirty seven years ago, and have blessed Dr.Schroder everyday since!! I had numerous ear infections as a child and never went to a dr. until after I was married. I had horrible pain, pus, discusting odor and could not hear at all. After the surgery I was pain free and my hearing returned (at least 80%) I was a happy camper. Alas, now after 37yrs. I am experiencing discharge, pain and hearing loss. I have been to several drs. and they flush out the ear and prescribe ear drops. This helps for the duration of drops but returns with a vengence!Blood,yellow smelly discharge, and a black waxy stuff comes out of the ear. No pain just itching and a weird snapping crackle sound when I chew and swallow. Can mastoid infection return?

Wanda

Sep 15, 2011 @ 7:19 pm

Hi, I had a mastoidectomy with tapanoplasty(something like that) ended up in surgery a total of 4 hrs. I am so bruised down the right side of my neck and it hurts so bad, not to mention the ear and surgical site. I am guessing this is normal, does anyone know? Such a scary surgery and I have to have it done on the left next. So glad to know I am not alone. Thank you all and God Bless.

Debbie

Sep 21, 2011 @ 5:17 pm

I am having an open cavity mastoidectomy done. Has anyone had this done? I been having an ear infestion. I went 2 times to have ear surgry. Once to reconstruct my middle ear and again to rebuild my middle ear because it did not take. Now 3 yeqrs later it is back and now I need a open cavity mastoidectomy done. Can anyone let me know about this operation.

mliston

Oct 15, 2011 @ 5:05 am

Thirty five years ago I had mastoidectomy. Cholesteatoma Left me without ear drum, and two of the three bones removed. Five years ago I had a Inplant or sound proser. Its called a Baja and was done by Calif. Ear Inst. Stanford/Palo alto. Reconstruction of my ear would have been a costly mistake.

ann

Oct 16, 2011 @ 5:05 am

I had an ear infection that went undiagnosed about 1 and a half years ago, which resulted in a polyp and smelly discharge. O had the polyp removed and the discharge immediately cleared without antibiotics. At the time the Dr said o could have a grommet put in or get my ears cleaned every 3-6 mths which I have been doing. The time before last my ears had a bit of wax but were otherwise clean and dry. Last week I went and there was a little bit of skin that had collected I'm the attic of my ear and the Dr suggested what o think is a mastoidectomy. This is the 3rd Dr I've seen and I'm not sure if He suggested this op cos I made such a fuss when the suction made me giddy! Since the initial infection I have not had another and never got ear infections before, should o have the op, which could create more problems in the future?

rit

Nov 4, 2011 @ 10:22 pm

Too bad I did not get to post my experience of having 4 mastoidectomys. the message is Sorry, bad language is not allowed. [1]. uh, what bad language would that be? I did not use bad language. your website is lame (that is as bad a word as I will use here.) ta ta

Lisa

Dec 26, 2011 @ 6:06 am

My 14 yr old son had a mastiod op on the 14th of december, but still has a yellowish fluid coming from his ear. Is this normal after 12 days?

Saswati

Dec 31, 2011 @ 12:00 am

I had tympanectomy,canalplasty and mastoidectomy eleven days back. Since last night reddish/brownish/colorless liquids oozing from operated ear. Why? and what do i do? Please help.

Cindy

Feb 8, 2012 @ 3:03 am

I am a 54 year old women. I have had three surgeries for a congential cholestroma that invaded the temporal bone and destroyed then entire ear as well as facial nerves. I have had a radical mastoidectomy and tymponoplasty,canalplasty Had all ear parts removed,reconstruction of the temporal bone, muscle, facial nerves and dura. The past 4 years has been a nightmare of surgeries. Currently I am suffering (and have been since my last surgery 2010 with sever nerve pain. Is anyone else having this problem? I am scheduled to see a neurologist to try a new medication. Was wondering if others had suffered the same problems extreme pain, dizziness, vertigo,.

Robert Hanson

Feb 9, 2012 @ 6:18 pm

I had a modified radical mastoidectomy with tymponaplasty about 4 months ago. Generally feel well except my tongue feels numb on the side i had the op and taste is strange. Also my ear lobe feels dead to touch and really hurts in the cold. How long roughly for tongue to get sensation back and is ear lobe normal.?

ABHISHEK ADHIKARI

Feb 13, 2012 @ 1:13 pm

I had undergone modified radical mastoidectomy in the year 2002. Since then the hearing has been a question of matter in several government examinations, and i am really a lot worried about this operation and thereby hearing loss. Please help me in this regard by furnishing information in this regard that on mentioning of this operation as my past medical history would cancel my candidature or not. Though it should also be mentioned that i suffer from no such illness or have no problem in my left ear since it was operated. I would be obliged to know from you in this regard.

Barbara Justice

Apr 11, 2012 @ 9:21 pm

I had a mastoidectomy 62 yeas ago whenI was six-years old. They went throught the ear canal, taking the eardrum, and all the mechanisms in the middle ear. I now have a tear in the eardrum they made me. I have had ear infections about every three months for the last year and a half. Until now cipro took care of it. Now my ENT says there is a whole in the grafted skin over the mastoid bone that was left. What kind of surgery will they have to do to correct it? Is it another mastoidectomy or just a cleaning up?

terrieann langton

Apr 14, 2012 @ 6:06 am

I had my mastoidectomy proceedure 34 years ago now. However, over the last 2 years i have been experiencing facial palsey. My consultant has been reluctant to investigate this and feels this is a neurological problem and not associalated with the surgery. Can anyone suggest any ideas as to why this is happening.

matthew

May 11, 2012 @ 6:06 am

I had the mastoid operation about a month ago after having ear infections constantly. Pain doesnt occur anymore, my hearing is worse than before the op and i think i have an infection in the ear again. yippie =(
I think i can smell the ear every so often when i move my head. Im so bored of infections in that ear, no idea why it just keeps coming back!? dont think anyone does know. its just one of those things inniee.

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