Mastoidectomy
What is Mastoidectomy ?
.
Why do you need Mastoidectomy ?
Mastoidectomy is indicated for:
- Cholesteatoma:
- Abnormal skin growth in the middle ear/mastoid, causing erosion of bone and chronic infection.
- Symptoms: Persistent ear discharge, hearing loss, or dizziness.
- Chronic ear infections:
- Recurrent or persistent otitis media with mastoiditis (infection spreading to mastoid bone).
- Symptoms: Ear pain, discharge, fever, or swelling behind the ear.
- Complications:
- Mastoid abscess, meningitis, facial nerve paralysis, or brain abscess (rare but serious).
- Types:
- Canal wall up (CWU): Preserves the ear canal wall; less invasive.
- Canal wall down (CWD): Removes the ear canal wall; used for extensive disease, creates an open cavity.
- Radical/Modified radical: Extensive removal, often for severe cholesteatoma (less common today).
The procedure aims to remove diseased tissue, eradicate infection, and prevent complications while preserving hearing when possible, though hearing outcomes vary based on disease extent.
Why Do Mastoidectomy Costs Vary in Philippines?
.
Mastoidectomy Procedure
- Before Surgery Evaluation:
- Diagnosis:
- Otoscopy: Visualizes ear canal and eardrum (e.g., retraction, cholesteatoma).
- CT scan: Assesses mastoid bone, extent of disease, and complications (e.g., bone erosion).
- Audiometry: Evaluates hearing loss (conductive or sensorineural).
- Blood tests: Blood sugar, clotting profile, infection markers (e.g., CRP).
- Medications: Stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin) 5–7 days prior if safe.
- Consent: Risks, including hearing loss, are explained.
- Diagnosis:
- Surgical Techniques:
- Mastoidectomy:
- Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 1–3 hours.
- Incision: Post-auricular (behind the ear, 4–6 cm).
- Bone removal:
- Mastoid air cells drilled out using a surgical drill.
- CWU: Preserves the ear canal wall; removes disease while maintaining anatomy.
- CWD: Removes the canal wall, creating an open cavity for better disease control (used for extensive cholesteatoma).
- Middle ear: Diseased tissue (e.g., cholesteatoma) removed; ossicles (hearing bones) may be reconstructed (ossiculoplasty) if damaged.
- Closure: Incision closed with sutures; ear canal packed with dissolvable material.
- Intraoperative Tools:
- Microscope: Visualizes middle ear and mastoid.
- Drill: Removes mastoid bone.
- Microinstruments: Excises cholesteatoma or infected tissue.
- Mastoidectomy:
- After Surgery:
- Hospital stay: 1–3 days.
- Care: Keep ear dry; antibiotic ear drops for 1–2 weeks.
- Pain management: Mild to moderate pain for 3–5 days; managed with acetaminophen.
- Instructions: Avoid water in ear (e.g., no swimming) for 6 weeks; no heavy lifting for 2–3 weeks.
Recovery After Mastoidectomy
- Hospital Stay: 1–3 days.
- Post-Surgery Care:
- Pain/Swelling: Mild to moderate pain behind the ear for 3–5 days; swelling resolves in 1–2 weeks.
- Ear care: Keep dry; antibiotic drops for 1–2 weeks; avoid ear pressure (e.g., blowing nose hard) for 4 weeks.
- Hearing: May initially worsen (due to packing/swelling); improves in 4–6 weeks; permanent hearing loss possible if ossicles damaged.
- Activity: Rest for 3–5 days; avoid heavy lifting or sports for 4–6 weeks.
- CWD cavity (if applicable): Lifelong cleaning (every 6–12 months) to prevent debris buildup.
- Follow-Up:
- Visits at 1 week (remove packing/sutures), 1 month, and 3 months.
- Audiometry: At 1–3 months to assess hearing.
- CT (if needed): At 3–6 months to check for recurrence (cholesteatoma).
Most resume normal activities in 1–2 weeks; full recovery takes 4–6 weeks. Success rate: 85–90% achieve infection control and disease removal; hearing preservation varies (50–70% maintain or improve hearing).
Risks and Complications
- Surgical Risks:
- Infection (2–5%): Wound or ear infection; treated with antibiotics.
- Bleeding (1–3%): Hematoma behind ear; may need drainage.
- Facial nerve injury (1–2%): Temporary or permanent facial weakness; rare with experienced surgeons.
- Post-Surgery:
- Hearing loss (5–10%): If ossicles or cochlea damaged; may need hearing aids.
- Dizziness (2–5%): Temporary (inner ear irritation); resolves in 1–2 weeks.
- Recurrence (5–15%): Cholesteatoma may return; needs regular monitoring or revision surgery.
- Tinnitus (2–5%): Ringing in ear; often temporary, may persist.
- Long-Term:
- CWD cavity issues (5–10%): Debris buildup or discharge; needs periodic cleaning.
- Taste disturbance (1–2%): Due to chorda tympani nerve injury; usually resolves in 3–6 months.
Report fever, severe pain, facial weakness, dizziness, or persistent discharge promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What causes the need for a mastoidectomy?
Cholesteatoma, chronic ear infections, or mastoiditis; often due to untreated or recurrent otitis media.
Can I avoid mastoidectomy?
Yes, if mild: Antibiotics, ear drops; surgery is for persistent infection, cholesteatoma, or complications.
Is mastoidectomy painful?
Mild to moderate pain for 3–5 days, managed with medication; discomfort reduces in 1–2 weeks.
How soon can I resume activities?
Normal activities: 1–2 weeks; full recovery: 4–6 weeks; avoid water in ear for 6 weeks.
Is mastoidectomy covered by insurance in India?
Yes, for medical necessity; confirm with your provider.
Signs of complications?
Fever, severe pain, facial weakness, dizziness, or persistent discharge.
Will my hearing improve after mastoidectomy?
50–70% maintain or improve hearing; severe cases may result in hearing loss (may need hearing aids).
Lifestyle changes post-surgery?
Keep ear dry, avoid ear pressure, periodic cavity cleaning (CWD), and attend follow-ups for recurrence checks.
Conclusion
.
Looking for Best Hospitals for Mastoidectomy
Note: we are not promoting any hospitals
We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)
- click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
| City | Minimum Price (₱) | Maximum Price (₱) |
|---|---|---|
|
Angeles City |
|
|
|
Antipolo |
|
|
|
Bacolod |
|
|
|
Bacoor |
|
|
|
Baguio |
|
|
|
Butuan |
|
|
|
Cagayan de Oro |
|
|
|
Caloocan |
|
|
|
Cebu City |
|
|
|
Dasmariñas |
|
|
|
Davao City |
|
|
|
General Santos |
|
|
|
General Trias |
|
|
|
Iligan |
|
|
|
Iloilo City |
|
|
|
Las Piñas |
|
|
|
Makati |
|
|
|
Malolos |
|
|
|
Manila |
|
|
|
Muntinlupa |
|
|
|
Parañaque |
|
|
|
Pasay |
|
|
|
Pasig |
|
|
|
Puerto Princesa |
|
|
|
Quezon City |
|
|
|
San Fernando |
|
|
|
San Jose del Monte |
|
|
|
Taguig |
|
|
|
Valenzuela |
|
|
|
Zamboanga City |
|
|
Disclaimer
This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.