Is a Mastoidectomy Considered a Serious Surgery?

A mastoidectomy can be terrifying to hear. Any operation in the area of the skull and the inner ear can be scary. This is the reason behind the most asked question, “Is a Mastoidectomy Considered a Serious Surgery?” The answer is yes, as the surgery is performed under general anesthesia and involves treatment near very crucial and sensitive parts and bones, but an Experient ENT  surgeon will make your experience safe and satisfactory with their knowledge and skills.

In Royal Cosmetic Surgery in Islamabad, ENT experts carry out the operation of the mastoid surgery in a safer manner and at the same time, they ensure the comfort and healing of the patient.

Read this blog below to know further.

Understanding Mastoidectomy:

It is a surgical process that involves the removal of the diseased air cells in the mastoid bone, which is behind the ear. It is used in the treatment of chronic infections, cholesteatoma, or other ear diseases.

It is a delicate procedure that needs to be precise because of the inner ear and facial nerves that are involved in the procedure.

Why Is a Mastoidectomy Performed?

Mastoidectomy becomes necessary when there is no response to medication in cases of infections or abnormal growths. Common reasons include:

• Pain or drainage in the ear, chronic.
• Cholesteatoma, which may destroy the ear structures and the bone.
• Hearing problems persistently because of an infection.
• Disease spread to the inner ear or skull will be prevented.

Is a Mastoidectomy Considered a Serious Surgery?

Mastoidectomy is an operation that requires particular caution around the ear and skull, but when it is said that something is serious, it may be associated with risk, not necessarily with complexity. The majority of the procedures are routine for trained ENT surgeons. Recent methods reduce morbidity and enable the majority of patients to heal without any harm.

Types of Mastoidectomy Procedures:

• Simple Mastoidectomy.
• Modified Radical Mastidectomy.
• Radical Mastoidectomy.

How Long Does a Mastoidectomy Take?

What Are the Possible Complications?

• Temporary or final hearing loss.
• Weakness due to injury of the facial nerve.
• Dizziness or imbalance.
• Infection or bleeding.

These risks are minimized by careful planning and the current operating methods of an experienced ENT specialist and surgeon, like Dr. Naveed Azhar at Royal Cosmetic Surgery in Islamabad.

Pain and Recovery After Mastoidectomy:

The pain after surgery is not severe. Medications used in treating pain are given on demand. Ear care involves ensuring that the ear is dry and there are no pressure variations. The swelling or bruising around the ear is not unusual and usually goes away in a few days.

How Long Is the Recovery Period?

The rate of recovery varies with the type of procedure, health of the patient, and following the instructions of the post-op care. In general: 

• Outpatient treatment: Return to light activities in 1-2 weeks.
• Extensive surgeries: 4-6 weeks prior to heavy activity.

Success Rate of Mastoidectomy:

In Mastoidectomy, the success rate is 95 percent, while in incisions made at the back of the head, the success rate is 90 percent. 

Major improvement is noticed in most patients:

• Chronic infections resolve.
• Ear drainage stops.
• Auditory is generally retained or enhanced.

When conducted by skilled ENT surgeons and followed up well, their success rates are high.

Who Needs Mastoid Surgery?

• Patients with recurrent or chronic ear infection.
• Cholesteatoma and bone erosion patients.
• Patients who failed to respond to drugs.
• Patients at risk of inner ear or skull complications.

Does mastoidectomy have long-term effects on hearing?

The majority of the patients do not lose hearing. Temporary loss is more prevalent than permanent loss.

How long is the hospital stay?

Outpatient simple surgery, 1-2 days, extensive surgery.

Is it possible to perform a mastoidectomy on children?

Admittedly, chronic ear infections are treated with pediatric procedures.

Are there alternatives?

Small infections can be treated with antibiotics, whereas chronic disease is normally treated with surgery.

Conclusion:

Mastoidectomy is not as scary as it sounds. Dr. Naveed Azhar at Royal Cosmetic Surgery in Islamabad is an internationally trained surgeon with up to 16 years of experience in the surgical world. An experienced surgeon makes this surgery sound very easy. If you, too, are having any doubts about whether to get the surgery or not, then contact us before the infection causes serious damage.

Call us now and book your consultation today.