Mastoidectomy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

A mastoidectomy

is surgery to remove part of the mastoid bone just behind your ear. Arrange for someone to stay with you after surgery to monitor for complications. They may need to call 911 when you cannot.

Have someone call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You have a seizure or lose consciousness.
• You cannot be woken.

Seek care immediately if:

• You have pus or foul-smelling drainage coming from your ear.
• Blood soaks through your bandage.
• You have a headache, fever, and a stiff neck.
• You have sharp ear pain that spreads to your face or jaw.
• Your mouth droops on the side where you had surgery, and is numb.

Call your doctor if:

• You have a fever.
• You have new or increased dizziness.
• You feel fullness or pressure in your ear.
• Your ear is red and swollen.
• You have nausea and vomiting even after taking medicine
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

How to prepare for a mastoidectomy:

Your surgeon will talk to you about how to prepare for surgery. You may be told to not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. Your surgeon will tell you what medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery. If you have an ear infection, you may be given antibiotic medicine to take before your surgery. Before surgery, you may need blood tests, hearing tests, an x-ray, or a CT scan.

What will happen during a mastoidectomy:

• You may be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. You may be given an antibiotic through your IV to help prevent a bacterial infection. Your surgeon will make an incision behind your ear in the shape of a "C". Your surgeon will use a small drill to remove part or all of your mastoid bone and air cells. The amount of bone and tissue that is removed depends on the size of the damaged area. Your surgeon will clean out the area with saline fluid.
• If your ear canal wall is removed, your surgeon may use a graft to rebuild it. The graft may be made of plastic or metal, taken from another area of your body, or taken from a donor. A graft may also be used to repair or replace your eardrum. Your surgeon will close your incision with stitches. Your surgeon may place packing inside of your ear and may also place a bandage over or around your ear. The bandage will help keep your wound clean and dry and help prevent infection.

What will happen after a mastoidectomy:

Your surgeon will check your facial movements and the feeling in your face. Sounds may echo, or you may not hear well because of blood, fluid, or bandages in your ear. It is normal for your face to feel numb on the side where the surgery is. This may last for several weeks and improve on its own. It is also normal for you to have some bloody drainage from your ear. When your surgeon says that you are okay, you may be able to go home. If you are staying in the hospital, you will be taken to your room.

Risks of a mastoidectomy:

You may bleed more than expected. You may have damage to nearby tissue, bone, and nerves. Facial nerve damage may lead to facial nerve paralysis. You are also at risk for damage to your brain during surgery. If your inner ear needs to be removed, you will have permanent hearing loss. After surgery, you may have a dry mouth and changes in how things taste. You may have pain, dizziness, or get an infection. An infection may spread to other areas of your body, such as your spinal cord or brain. You may get tinnitus (ringing in your ears) and you may have short-term or permanent hearing loss. Even with surgery, all of the diseased areas may not be removed. Your ear disease may return, and you may need another surgery.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

You may need to return to have your packing removed. You will need to have your hearing checked once you have healed from surgery. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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