Mastoidectomy Health Article

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

The surgery used to be a common way to treat an infection in the mastoid air cells. Such infection usually resulted from an ear infection that spread to the nearby bone in the skull.

Mastoidectomy is now seldom needed, as the infections are commonly treated with antibiotics.

However, this surgery may be used to treat other problems such as cholesteatoma or complications of otitis media, or to place a cochlear implant.

References

Bennett M. Indications and technique in mastoidectomy. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. Dec 2006; 39(6): 1095-113.

Connell SS. Cochlear implants. Clin Geriatr Med. Aug 2006; 22(3): 677-86.