Mastoid Surgery

Mastoid surgery may be necessary when an ear infection within the middle ear extends into the mastoid. The mastoid is the bony area just behind the ear and it contains air pockets, the largest of which is called the antrum. There is a connection between the middle ear and the mastoid hence allowing infections to travel to the mastoid area. 

Most commonly this is a pocket of skin growing from the outer ear into the middle ear causing infection and normally hearing loss. The most effective way of curing this problem is with surgery. 

The procedure usually is undertaken with a general anaesthetic and involve a small cut either above or behind the ear. The operation will take, depending on the complexity, between one and three hours.

The bone covering the infection within the mastoid cells is removed to leave a mastoid cavity which will then be either left open or covered with bone, cartilage and muscle depending on the preference of your surgeon in each individual case.

Most patients will be allowed home the day of or the day after the procedure. We advise that you are away from work for a period of one week following the operation. 

Please do discuss any questions you may have with your consultant prior to the procedure.

This procedure will normally be covered by the medical insurance policy but patients are advised to check with the provider prior to any treatment.

If you are paying for your own treatment all costs will be discussed and explained prior to any treatment taking place. This will be confirmed in writing along with any surgeon fees, anaesthetist fees and hospital charges prior to admission.