Mastoid Surgery

  • Why do I need this operation?
  • You have an ear condition in which there is a deep seated infection and a sac of skin (cholesteatoma) which can erode the bone around the ear and if left unattended can cause serious problems with your health. .’
  • What happens during the operation?
  • This is carried out under local anesthetic with sedation. The surgeon will make a cut in the skin; either in front of or behind the ear. The mastoid bone will be drilled away to reveal the extent of the cholesteatoma which is then removed. In order to clear the cholesteatoma fully it may be necessary to remove part of the chain of bones that helps you hear as often these are already damaged infection. At the end of the operation a pack (dressing) will be placed in and the skin stitched. The scar will largely be covered by hair.
  • How will I feel after the operation?
  • You will have a dressing over the ear. This will be removed the day after the operation. You will notice that your hearing is worse in the operated ear temporarily
    Because of the pack. The pack will be removed 2-3 weeks later in the clinic. If you have non-dissolving stitches they will be removed after one week. You may hear some noises in the ear,
  • What alternatives are there to the operation?
  • When you have a cholesteatoma there is little alternative but to operate and remove the disease. If an operation is not performed the ear has to be cleared out on a regular basis. If the disease is not removed there are potentially serious complications which are discussed next. If you have persistent disease in the ear it can be cleaned out at the clinic,.but the ear is unlikely to become dry. The operation has a good chance of stopping the discharge. Up to 3% of patients may require a further operation in the future to deal with recurring problems.
  • What if I decide against an operation?
  • The ear disease will persist and you will continue to suffer with hearing loss and discharge. The cholesteatoma will grow slowly and there is a risk that eventually it could cause one or more of the following:-

    • Facial palsy
    • Mastoid bone abscess
    • Vertigo
    • Meningitis or brain abscess
    • Total deafness
  • What are the chances of success?
  • Nearly all cholesteatomas can be totally removed. By creating a mastoid cavity the ear is made safe as any further disease or infection can be removed. About one quarter of the ears we operate on will discharge intermittently and will require outpatient attention.
  • How long will stay in hospital?
  • This is usually 1 night after surgery.

  • When can I go back to work / school?
  • We would advise one or two weeks off work after surgery, depending on your job