mastoidectomy /mas′toidek″təmē/ [Gk, mastos + eidos, form, ektomē, excision] , surgical excision of a part of the mastoid part of the temporal bone, frequently performed to treat cholesteatoma. It may also be performed to treat chronic suppurative otitis media or mastoiditis when systemic antibiotics are ineffective. Often done as part of reconstructive procedure and classified as simple modified radical. Entry is made through the ear canal or from behind the ear. In a simple mastoidectomy with the patient under general anesthesia, diseased bones of the mastoid are removed while the ossicles, eardrum, and canal wall are left intact and the eardrum is incised to drain the middle ear. Topical antibiotics are then instilled in the ear. In a radical procedure the eardrum and most middle ear structures are removed. The stapes is left intact so that a hearing aid may be used. The opening to the eustachian tube is plugged. In a modified radical procedure the eardrum and some of the ossicles are saved, and the patient hears better than after a radical mastoidectomy. After surgery any bright red blood on the dressing may indicate hemorrhage. A stiff neck or disorientation may signal the onset of meningitis. Dizziness is usual and may be expected to last for several days.
