Mastoid is a bony protrusion on the temporal bone behind your ear. It’s usually done to treat an infection or a tumour. The mastoid process contains air cells that extend from the middle ear. These air cells help to drain fluid from the middle ear and keep it dry. The mastoid process also provides attachment for some muscles that move the jaw and head. Mastoidectomy is a fairly standard procedure, but it’s essential to understand the risks and potential complications before having surgery. This article will provide an overview of Mastoidectomy and its treatment.
What is a Mastoidectomy?
Mastoidectomy is a surgical process used to remove the mastoid bone located behind your ear. The mastoid bone contains the air cells that connect to the middle ear. Mastoidectomy is performed to treat middle ear infections or prevent them from occurring. The mastoid bone is removed through an incision in the back of the ear. The surgeon will then clean out the air cells in the mastoid bone and any infected tissue. A drainage tube may be placed in the incision to help drain any fluid that may build up. The incision will be closed with stitches, and a bandage will be placed over it.
Mastoidectomy is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day. Recovery time varies from person to person, but you can expect some discomfort and swelling for a few weeks after surgery. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on caring for your incision and when you can return to your normal activities.
Different Types of Mastoidectomy
Mastoidectomy is a surgical process used to remove the mastoid bone. The mastoid is a small, pyramid-shaped bone behind your ear. Mastoidectomy is usually performed to treat infections of the middle ear or to remove a tumour from the mastoid bone.
Total Mastoidectomy: In a total mastoidectomy, all of the diseased tissue is removed, along with the entire mastoid bone. This surgery is more often used to treat cancerous tumours than infectious diseases. There are two main types of Mastoidectomy: total and partial.
Partial Mastoidectomy: A partial mastectomy removes only a portion of the mastoid bone and leaves healthy tissue intact. This type of surgery is more commonly used to treat infections.
Mastoidectomies are performed under general anaesthesia and typically take one to two hours to complete. During the procedure, an incision can be made behind your ear, and the skin is separated from the underlying bone. Then the incision has to be closed with the help of stitches. The diseased tissue is then removed, and any necessary reconstruction is performed.
After surgery, patients will need to stay in the hospital for several days for monitoring and recovery. Pain medication will be prescribed as needed. Most patients can return to their normal activities within four to six weeks after surgery, although some may experience residual numbness or weakness in the affected ear.
Let us know about the Pros and Cons of Mastoidectomy
There are pros and cons to Mastoidectomy, and it is essential to be aware of both before deciding whether or not to have the surgery. Some of the potential pros of Mastoidectomy include the following:
- 1. Improved hearing in the affected ear
- 2. Decreased risk of infection
- 3. Reduced pain and pressure in the ear
-
However, there are also some potential downsides to Mastoidectomy, which include:
- 1. The risk of complications from surgery, such as bleeding or infection
- 2. Possible damage to nearby structures, such as the facial nerve or inner ear
- 3. The need for lifelong monitoring of the area for signs of recurrence
How to prepare for Mastoidectomy surgery
Mastoidectomy is a surgery to remove the mastoid bone located behind your ear. The mastoid bone is connected to the skull and helps to protect the inner ear.
- 1. Mastoidectomy surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, so you will not need to stay in the hospital overnight. Before your surgery, your doctor will give you specific preparation instructions, including what type of clothing and shoes to wear. You may also be asked to avoid drinking alcohol or taking certain medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, for a week before surgery.
- 2. On the day of your surgery, you will likely be asked to arrive at the hospital several hours before your procedure begins. This will allow you to check in and change into a surgical gown.
- 3. During the procedure, your surgeon will make an incision behind your ear and remove the mastoid bone. The incision will then be closed with stitches or staples. In some cases, a small piece of metal mesh may be placed over the opening in the bone to help prevent infection.
- 4. After your surgery is done, you will be closely monitored. Once you are awake and alert, you can usually go home the same day. However, if your surgeon feels it necessary, you may need to stay overnight for observation.
-
Post-operative care
After a mastoidectomy, the patient must have someone stay with them for at least 24 hours. During this time, the patient will need to sleep with their head elevated and may have drainage from their incision site. The patient may also have some numbness or tingling around the incision site. It is essential to keep the incision area completely dry.
After 24 hours, the patient can usually return to normal activities. They should avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least a week. The patient should also continue to sleep with their head elevated and keep their incision area completely dry. Patients should contact their doctor if they have any problems or concerns.
Conclusion
Mastoidectomy is a severe operation that should only be considered after all other options have failed. However, if you need to have this procedure done, knowing that the treatment options available can help you recover and live your everyday life is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 What are the complications that one can get after mastoidectomy?
A – The major complications that can arise from mastoidectomy include hearing loss, nerve injury, paralysis, etc.
Q.2 Can mastoiditis come back?
A – If proper attention is given after the treatment, the chances of getting it back are minimal.
Q.3 How long does it take to recover after mastoidectomy?
A – It usually takes a week to get back to routine. However, complete recovery may take a little time depending upon many other factors like age, the severity of the condition, etc.
Q.4 What are the benefits of mastoidectomy?
A – There are several benefits of mastoidectomy.Some of them are
- 1. Better hearing abilities
- 2. Low risk of infection
- 3. Reduce pressure in the ear
-
Related Post