Mastoidectomy

This is a complex procedure to remove disease from within the small space of the middle ear

The aim is

• To remove the disease
• To restore and preserve the eardrum and ear canal
  • This helps to keep the ear dry and free from infection
  • It should allow swimming etc
• To restore and preserve the small bones in the ear that conduct sound
  • This can preserve or even improve the hearing

Cholesteatoma

• Usually the disease is an non malignant but erosive collection of skin called cholesteatoma.
• In children there is a high rate of recurrence
• This often means multiple surgeries

Risks

• If all the hearing bones are damaged the chance of a succesful hearing reconstruction is reduced
• It may not be possible to get a water-tight ear drum and canal so infections with discharge can occur
• During the surgery disease may need to be cleaned fron an exposed facial nerve leading to some facial weakness which is usually temporary. The nerve is monitored during the surgery
• Other risks include alteration in taste, tinnitus and dizziness.