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Mastoidectomy - Overview

Definition of Mastoidectomy:

A mastoidectomy is surgery to remove cells in the hollow, air-filled spaces in the skull behind the ear. These cells are called mastoid air cells.

Description:

The surgery used to be a common way to treat an infection in the mastoid air cells. Such infection usually resulted from an ear infection that spread to the nearby bone in the skull.

Why the Procedure Is Performed:

Mastoidectomy is now rarely needed, because infections are commonly treated with antibiotics.

However, this surgery may be used to treat other problems, such as:

Cholesteatoma
Complications of an ear infection (otitis media)
To place a cochlear implant

Mastoidectomy - series

Reviewed last on: 10/10/2008
Alan Lipkin, MD, Otolaryngologist, Private Practice, Denver, Colorado. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Bennett M. Indications and technique in mastoidectomy. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. Dec 2006; 39(6): 1095-113.

Connell SS. Cochlear implants. Clin Geriatr Med. Aug 2006; 22(3): 677-86.

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