Yashoda Hospitals » Surgery Care » Mastoidectomy

Advanced Mastoidectomy Surgery in Hyderabad

Yashoda Hospitals offers comprehensive care for mastoidectomy surgery to treat chronic ear infections and cholesteatoma.

Experienced ENT Surgeons
Advanced Microsurgical Techniques
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Complete Care from Diagnosis to Follow-up

Mastoidectomy Summary

Mastoidectomy surgery is an ENT procedure performed to remove infected or damaged mastoid air cells located behind the ear, commonly for the treatment of chronic ear infections, cholesteatoma, or complications of untreated middle ear disease. The surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia and takes about 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of the infection. In many cases, it requires a short hospital stay. Most patients may experience mild pain, swelling, or temporary dizziness for a few days. They can return to routine activities within one to two weeks, while complete healing may take several weeks. When performed by experienced ENT surgeons, mastoidectomy is considered a safe and effective procedure that helps eliminate infection, prevent complications, and preserve hearing whenever possible.

What is Mastoidectomy Surgery?

Mastoidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove infected or damaged air cells in the mastoid bone, located behind the ear. It is commonly recommended for chronic middle ear infections, complications of untreated ear infections, or cholesteatoma (an abnormal skin growth in the middle ear).

The surgery helps eliminate infection, prevent serious complications, stop persistent ear discharge, and preserve hearing whenever possible. It is usually performed under general anesthesia using specialised microsurgical techniques to ensure precision and safety.

Types of Mastoidectomy Surgery

Mastoidectomy procedures are categorised based on how much infected bone and middle ear tissue need to be removed:

Cortical (Simple) Mastoidectomy: This procedure removes infected air cells in the mastoid bone while preserving the middle ear structures intact. It is usually performed for early or limited disease.
Canal Wall Up Mastoidectomy: In this technique, the back wall of the ear canal is preserved to maintain its natural shape.
Canal Wall Down Mastoidectomy: The posterior canal wall is removed to create an open cavity, which improves access and long-term control of infection.
Modified Radical Mastoidectomy: Both the mastoid air cells and affected middle ear structures are cleared, with efforts made to preserve hearing wherever possible.
Radical Mastoidectomy: A more extensive surgery, in which most middle ear components, along with the mastoid air cells, are removed, is generally reserved for severe or widespread disease.

Mastoidectomy Surgery Pre-operative, Intra-operative, and Post-operative Care

Mastoidectomy surgery requires a carefully coordinated approach before, during, and after the procedure to ensure safe removal of the infection, protection of hearing structures, and smooth recovery.

Pre-operative Care

Before mastoidectomy surgery, a comprehensive ENT evaluation and detailed ear examination are performed to assess the extent of infection or disease. Hearing tests and imaging studies, such as a CT scan, may be recommended to obtain a clear view of the mastoid bone and middle ear structures. The patient’s medical history and current medications are carefully reviewed, and blood thinners may be temporarily discontinued at the doctor’s discretion. Fasting for several hours before surgery is required due to general anesthesia. The procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes are explained thoroughly, and informed consent is obtained before proceeding.

Intra-operative Care

During mastoidectomy surgery, the procedure is carried out under general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and safety. A small incision is made behind the ear to access the mastoid bone, and infected mastoid air cells are carefully removed using a high-precision surgical microscope. Throughout the operation, every effort is made to preserve healthy ear structures, including those responsible for hearing and balance. Once the diseased tissue is cleared, the area is thoroughly cleaned, and the wound is closed with a sterile dressing to promote proper healing.

Post-operative Care

After mastoidectomy surgery, patients are monitored in the recovery room until the effects of anesthesia completely wear off. Mild pain, swelling, or temporary dizziness may occur but usually improve within a few days. Doctors typically prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and pain medications to ensure comfort. It is important to keep the operated ear dry and prevent water from entering during the healing period. Follow-up visits are scheduled to remove the dressing and assess proper healing. Most patients can gradually return to their normal daily activities within one to two weeks.

A well-coordinated care plan before, during, and after mastoidectomy ensures safe recovery and effective control of infection.

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Free Second opinion for the Mastoidectomy Surgery

If mastoidectomy surgery has been advised, seeking a free second opinion can provide reassurance and a clearer understanding of your diagnosis. An independent review helps confirm the severity of infection, the presence of cholesteatoma, and whether surgery is the most appropriate treatment option.

During the second opinion consultation, an ENT specialist evaluates your symptoms, examines the ear, and reviews hearing tests and imaging reports. This thorough assessment enables you to explore possible alternatives, understand the expected outcomes, and make a well-informed decision about proceeding with surgery.

Procedure Name	Mastoidectomy Surgery
Type of Surgery	Major
Type of Anaesthesia	General Anaesthesia
Procedure Duration	2 to 3 hours
Recovery Duration	Initial Recovery: 2 to 6 weeks Full Recovery: 6 to 12 weeks

Benefits of Mastoidectomy Surgery

Mastoidectomy surgery helps eliminate infection from the mastoid bone and prevents further complications, improving overall ear health and quality of life.

Removes chronic infection and diseased tissue
Stops persistent ear discharge
Prevents the spread of infection to nearby structures
Reduces risk of serious complications
Helps preserve or improve hearing
Promotes long-term ear health

Procedure Name	Mastoidectomy

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Frequently Asked Questions

Mastoidectomy is a major ear surgery as it involves removing infected bone behind the ear, but it is routinely performed and generally safe with proper surgical care and follow-up.

A cortical (simple) mastoidectomy removes infected mastoid air cells while preserving the middle ear structures. It is usually performed for mild or limited infections.

The three main types are Cortical (Simple) Mastoidectomy, Modified Radical Mastoidectomy, and Radical Mastoidectomy. The type chosen depends on how extensive and severe the infection or disease is.

In a Canal Wall Up (CWU) procedure, the back wall of the ear canal is preserved to maintain normal ear structure. In a Canal Wall Down (CWD) procedure, the wall is removed to create an open cavity, providing better access and lowering the risk of recurrent infection in advanced disease.

Tympanoplasty repairs a perforated eardrum to improve hearing, while mastoidectomy removes infected bone behind the ear. In some cases, both procedures are performed together.

Mastoidectomy is usually indicated for treating chronic mastoiditis, cholesteatoma, or recurring ear infections that don’t respond to other treatments. It may also be necessary for draining abscesses or treating ear-related hearing loss or tumours.

Most patients recover in 1–2 weeks, with complete healing taking a few additional weeks depending on the extent of surgery.

It is performed to remove chronic infection, cholesteatoma, or diseased bone that does not improve with medications.

Hearing may improve, remain the same, or occasionally decrease, depending on the extent of infection and damage before surgery.

The procedure is done under anesthesia, so there is no pain during surgery. Mild discomfort after surgery is common and manageable with medications.

Recurrence is uncommon but possible, especially in severe cases. Regular follow-up helps detect and manage any recurrence early.

Most patients return to routine activities within 1–2 weeks, as advised by their doctor.