A mastoidectomy is a surgery to remove cells in the hollow, air-filled spaces in the skull behind the ear. These cells are called mastoid air cells.
Description
This surgery used to be a common way to treat an infection in mastoid air cells. In most cases, the condition was caused by an ear infection that spread to the bone in the skull.
Why the Procedure Is Performed
Mastoidectomy may be used to treat:
- Cholesteatoma
- Complications of an ear infection ( otitis media )
- Infections of the mastoid bone that do not get better with antibiotics
- To place a cochlear implant
Risks
Risks may include:
- Changes in taste
- Dizziness
- Hearing loss
- Infection that persists or keeps returning
- Noises in the ear ( tinnitus )
- Weakness of the face
