A mastoidectomy is an elective surgical procedure done on the ear. The most common indications for a mastoidectomy are for treatment of chronic middle ear infection or for removal of cholesteatoma, a benign middle ear cyst. Occasionally, an emergency mastoidectomy is done for patients with acute mastoiditis, a severe ear infection that can lead to serious complications.
During a mastoidectomy, a well hidden incision is usually placed in the crease behind the ear. This provides exposure to the mastoid bone, which is located behind the ear. The bone is partially drilled away to remove the infected tissue or cholesteatoma cyst.
Usually, the surgery is done as an outpatient, but patients are expected to take one week off from work to allow for recovery. The ear is usually fully healed six weeks to three months after surgery.
Following mastoidectomy, patients are usually seen in the office periodically to have their ears cleaned and to check for a recurrence of the disease.