Steps of Mastoidectomy Surgery
Preparation
You’ll receive general anesthesia, so you’ll be asleep and pain-free during the procedure.
The surgical team will position you and clean the area behind your ear.
Incision and Access
The surgeon makes a small incision behind your ear to access the mastoid bone.
Using a microscope and a specialized bone drill, the surgeon carefully opens the mastoid bone.
Removal of Diseased Tissue
The surgeon removes infected mastoid air cells or growths (such as cholesteatoma) using suction irrigation to keep the site clean.
The extent of removal depends on the severity of disease and may include clearing parts of the middle ear.
Closure
The area is cleaned, and the incision is stitched closed.
A bandage is applied, and sometimes a small drain is placed to prevent fluid buildup.
Duration
The surgery typically takes 2 to 3 hours.
Recovery Process
Hospital Stay and Immediate Aftercare
Most mastoidectomy procedures are outpatient, but some patients may stay overnight for observation.
You’ll wake up with a bandage over your ear and possibly a drain behind your ear.
Expect mild discomfort, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and possibly some dizziness or numbness around the ear.
Pain is usually managed with over-the-counter or prescribed medications.
At Home: Weeks 1–4
Rest: Plan to rest for the first few days and keep your head elevated to reduce swelling.
Ear Care: Keep the incision and ear dry. Use a cotton ball with petroleum jelly when showering to prevent water from entering the ear.
Activity: Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity, and bending over for at least 2–4 weeks.
Follow-Up: Attend all follow-up appointments for removal of packing, stitches, or drains as directed.
Ongoing Recovery: Weeks 4–12
Full recovery generally takes 6 to 12 weeks.
You can usually return to work or school within 1–2 weeks, but complete healing of the ear and restoration of hearing may take longer.
Hearing may be muffled initially due to packing, which dissolves or is removed at follow-up visits.
Avoid swimming, flying, or activities that could cause pressure changes in the ear until cleared by your surgeon.
When to Call Your Doctor
Increased redness, swelling, or foul-smelling drainage from the incision.
Persistent dizziness, severe headache, fever over 100.4°F (38°C), or facial weakness.
Heavy bleeding or trouble swallowing.
Recovery Tips
Sleep with your head elevated.
Sneeze with your mouth open and avoid blowing your nose for several weeks.
Take medications as prescribed and follow all wound care instructions.
Attend all scheduled follow-up visits for optimal healing.
