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Mastoidectomy

Definition
- A mastoidectomy is 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
References
- Chole RA, Sudhoff HH. Chronic otitis media, mastoiditis, and petrositis. In: Flint PW, Haughey BH, Lund LJ, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2010:chap 139.
  Lambert PR. Mastoidectomy. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2010:chap 142.

Images
- Mastoidectomy - series