Mastoid Surgery

In addition to pain and discomfort, a middle ear infection can cause tiny air cells in the mastoid bone to fill up with pus. As the infection spreads, potentially reaching the brain, the bone is destroyed, resulting in hearing loss. If antibiotics fail to clear the infection, mastoid surgery may be needed.  

The medical term for infection of the mastoid cells is mastoiditis. The condition affects children more often than adults, as they are most prone to middle ear infections, but it can strike adults on occasion. Our team at San Diego ENT is here to provide the highest-caliber personalized care to patients with mastoiditis.

Causes of Mastoiditis

Bacteria migrate from the middle ear to the air cells of the mastoid bone, which are essential for proper drainage of fluid. Cholesteatoma, a type of skin cyst, can also prevent the ear from draining properly, leading to mastoiditis.  

Symptoms of Mastoiditis

• Swelling, redness or tenderness on the ear lobe and area behind the ear
• Drainage of fluids from the ear
• Fever
• Irritability
• Lethargy

Diagnosing and Treating Mastoiditis

Mastoiditis can cause serious—even life-threatening—health complications if untreated, so proper diagnosis is a crucial first step toward recovery. Our expert and empathetic providers at San Diego ENT are here to support you during this time and guide you toward wellness.

Our doctor will examine your ears with an otoscope to look for signs of infection. Diagnostic tests such as CT or MRI scans may be performed to help rule out other conditions.  

Many cases of mastoiditis are treated successfully with antibiotics. Chronic cases may require frequent visits for thorough ear cleanings.

Mastoidectomy 

When antibiotics fail to treat the problem adequately, or it recurs frequently, surgery may be necessary. Our team will support you through every step of this process and make sure you feel confident about what’s to come.

Mastoid surgery, or mastoidectomy, involves drilling a hole in the mastoid bone and removing the infected air cells. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and many patients return home later the same day. 

Afterward, your ears will be bandaged, and there may be stitches. You might experience headaches, discomfort and numbness. You’ll likely be prescribed pain medication and antibiotics and will need to return after a few days to have your bandages and stitches removed. You’ll need to keep your ear free of water and avoid strenuous activity or anything that might put pressure on your ear (e.g., airplane travel).  

Complications are rare but may include facial nerve paralysis, sensorineural hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus and changes in taste.