Overview
The mastoid bone sits behind the ear and consists of air spaces that help drain the middle ear.
A mastoidectomy removes infected portions of this bone once conventional medical treatment has proven ineffective.
The Procedure & Recovery
- Surgery
Performed under general anaesthesia, the operation typically takes 2 to 4 hours. An incision is made behind the ear to access the bone. - Hospital Stay
Most patients return home the same day or after one night of observation. - Immediate Aftercare
You will wake up with a head bandage and packing inside the ear canal. You must keep the ear completely dry for several weeks. - Ear Care
Do not remove inner packing. If packing falls out, contact your surgeon. Keep dressings on for 24 hours then, if required, reapply at night for 10 days. - Pain Relief
Pain Relief Use prescribed pain relief or over-the-counter medicine such as Panadol or Paracetamol. - Recovery Timeline
Most people return to school or work within 1 to 2 weeks, though full healing of the mastoid cavity can take 6 to 12 weeks.
Post-Operative Care Instructions
Detailed aftercare guidance for your surgery, to keep and refer back to.
Potential Risks
While generally safe, risks can include:
Taste Changes
A metallic or unusual taste, often temporary, due to a nerve running through the ear.
Dizziness
Can occur in the days following surgery as the balance system settles.
Hearing Loss
While the goal is to make the ear safe, hearing may not improve and can sometimes worsen, especially in radical procedures.
Facial Weakness:
The nerve to the face runs through the ear.
When to Contact a Doctor
- Sudden or severe dizzy spells (vertigo)
- Fever, increased pain, or foul-smelling yellow or green discharge
- Significant swelling or bleeding
Please go to the emergency department of the hospital where you had your surgery. The nursing staff will advise Dr Kelly once they have assessed you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mastoidectomy used for?
A mastoidectomy removes infected portions of the mastoid bone behind the ear when conventional medical treatment, such as antibiotics or ear drops, has not resolved the infection - often for chronic ear infections or cholesteatoma.
How long does mastoidectomy surgery take?
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the extent of disease within the mastoid bone.
Will I need to stay in hospital?
Most patients go home the same day or after one night of observation, though this can vary depending on your individual circumstances.
How long is recovery after a mastoidectomy?
Most people return to school or work within 1 to 2 weeks. Full healing of the mastoid cavity can take longer, typically 6 to 12 weeks, during which the ear must be kept dry.
Can hearing be affected by a mastoidectomy?
The primary goal of surgery is to make the ear safe and free of infection. Hearing may not improve and can occasionally worsen, particularly with more extensive (radical) procedures - this will be discussed with you beforehand.