Doctors for Mastoidectomy in Chennai

Mastoidectomy is a surgical procedure related to the ear. It is done to remove the air cells of the mastoid bones. This mastoid bone is actually the hard bone present just behind the ear. A person can easily feel it by touching it. These cells are called mastoid air cells because these are present in the air space around the mastoid bones. They also connect the air space to the middle ear. That's why any disease of the middle ear can spread to the mastoid bone. In such a situation mastoidectomy becomes necessary.

Generally a person can see following symptoms around his ear as the signs of this infection:

• A regular pain and tenderness in the part just behind the affected ear.
• A permanent redness in the skin just behind the affected ear (in some cases black coloured skin is also seen)
• A permanent swelling just behind the affected ear.
• Continuous ear discharge from the affected ear.
• A high temperature around the affected ear.
• Temporary hearing loss in the affected ear.

Whenever a person notices the above symptoms then he immediately needs to contact a professional ENT(Ear, Nose, Throat) specialist.

However, this surgery is done by the ENT specialist surgeons. It is mainly done when the person has cholesteatoma (when the person is highly infected). The patient is kept hungry for six hours before this surgery. Apart from this, the doctor gives general anaesthesia to the patient to stop the feeling of pain during the surgery. The cholesteatoma is removed because it is an abnormal bone in the skin behind the ear. It grows either in the middle of the ear or towards the mastoid bone. There is a risk of permanent deafness if this surgery is not done at the proper time. That’s why the doctor fixes the eardrum through surgery and the patient regains the hearing power.

It is mainly of three types:

• Simple mastoidectomy : Simple mastoidectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove infected or damaged tissue from the mastoid bone, which is located behind the ear. It is typically indicated in cases of chronic mastoiditis or complications arising from middle ear infections. The procedure involves making an incision behind the ear to access the mastoid bone and removing the diseased tissue. Simple mastoidectomy aims to eliminate the infection, prevent its spread, and improve the patient's symptoms.
• Canal-wall-up mastoidectomy : Canal-wall-up mastoidectomy is a surgical procedure performed to treat chronic mastoiditis or cholesteatoma, a noncancerous growth in the middle ear. In this procedure, the surgeon removes the infected or damaged tissue in the mastoid bone and creates a new ear canal. The goal of canal-wall-up mastoidectomy is to eliminate the infection, prevent recurrence, and improve hearing. Unlike canal-wall-down mastoidectomy, which involves removing the outer wall of the ear canal, canal-wall-up mastoidectomy preserves the natural anatomy of the ear and may allow for better long-term outcomes. The specific surgical approach is determined based on the individual's condition and the surgeon's expertise
• Canal-wall-down mastoidectomy : It is performed when the disease has damaged the ear’s canal very badly that there is a need for the removal of the ear canal to cure the disease. This surgery is sometimes called a radical or modified mastoidectomy, and is done only in the case of recurrent (repeating) disease that failed the last surgery.

This surgery is a microsurgery and completely related to the ear. So the doctors make sure that the patient does not have any other health issues about the ear. An overview of all tests is given as following:

• Physical Test : In this test, discharge from the ear is examined by a microscope to detect the condition of mastoid infection inside the ear.
• X-rays : An x-ray of the infected ear is done to see the accurate picture of the infected area inside the ear.
• Blood tests : It is done to ensure that the person is completely ready for the surgery or not. These are general tests to get information that the person will not get any infection in any other part of the body.

Along with all this the information about its disease history especially related to the ear problems and related symptoms is also collected to find out if there is any hidden disease about which the patient is completely unaware and can get more badly affected due to this surgery.

Before starting the surgery, the patient is given some advice like not to take blood thinners, and not to eat anything for six hours before surgery. Some drops will be put in the ear of the patient. The hair behind the ear of the patient is also shaved before the surgery if present. The patient will be given a general anaesthesia when the mastoidectomy procedure is started. However, here is a general overview of how mastoidectomy is typically done:

• An incision is made behind your ear, so that they can reach the mastoid bone.
• A microscope and a microscopic small drill are used to open the mastoid bone.
• Suction irrigation method is used by doctors to protect the surgical skin from bone dust when it is drilled.
• The infected air cells are ejected out.
• After it the incision is stitched carefully.
• The incision site is covered to keep the wound dry and clean.
• This process takes nearly 2-3 hours.

Mastoidectomy treats chronic ear infections and minimizes its recurrence (return). There are so many benefits of mastoidectomy:

• It is a very easy and less painful procedure. The patients get a big relief in ear problems after this surgery.
• It is a microsurgery which includes only a small cut. So the risk of any type of infection due to surgery becomes almost zero.
• Almost no bleeding and no pain during this surgery. Which makes the patient happy and comfortable after the surgery.
• The recovery after surgery is also very fast. This is the reason why so many ear surgery specialist doctors recommend it to the people as the most advanced and safe surgery for treating the diseases related to their eardrum.
• In addition, this procedure can also prevent serious complications of cholesteatoma, such as hearing loss, vertigo, dizziness, facial nerve damage, labyrinthitis, meningitis, and brain abscess.

While mastoidectomy is generally safe and effective, like any surgery, it carries potential side effects and risks. Some possible side effects of mastoidectomy include:

• Pain and discomfort: After undergoing a mastoidectomy, it is common to experience pain and discomfort in the ear and the surrounding area. However, pain medications are typically prescribed to help manage this discomfort during the recovery period. The type and dosage of pain medication will depend on the individual's specific condition and the surgeon's recommendation.
• Swelling and bruising : Swelling and bruising around the surgical site are common side effects following a mastoidectomy. These side effects are typically temporary and tend to resolve on their own as the healing process progresses. Applying cold compresses or ice packs to the area can help reduce swelling and minimize bruising.
• Temporary hearing loss: Following mastoidectomy, some individuals may experience temporary hearing loss due to swelling, ear packing, or changes in the ear canal. This usually improves as the healing process progresses.
• Dizziness and imbalance : Mastoidectomy can cause temporary dizziness or a sense of imbalance. This is typically due to changes in the inner ear or disruption of the balance system during surgery. It usually resolves within a few days or weeks.
• Infection : While mastoidectomy is performed to treat an existing infection, there is a small risk of developing a new infection after surgery. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics and provide instructions on how to prevent infection.
• Scarring : Mastoidectomy involves an incision behind the ear, which can result in scarring. The extent of scarring varies among individuals but is typically minimal and fades over time.

After undergoing a mastoidectomy, it is crucial to follow all the post-operative instructions provided by your ear specialist or surgeon. These instructions may vary based on your specific case, but here are some general guidelines for a smooth recovery:

• Rest : Take more and more rest just after the surgery for a few days to boost the recovery and also avoid strenuous activities. At the same time, for a week, the patient should sleep with two or three pillows. Also, try not to sleep on the side of the ear that has undergone surgery.
• Avoid direct contact of water : This precaution should be followed for two to three months. As because the tissues of the eardrum will take time to get complete recovery. So direct contact of water must be avoided by a permanent cover on the ear and also try to put some cotton inside the ear.
• Pain Management : Some discomforts due to pain are common after the surgery. So follow all the prescribed dosage instructions given by the doctor in a strict and disciplined manner for good and fast recovery.
• Hydration : Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid cold beverages that could irritate the surgical site.
• Avoid some activities : The patient should not turn his head suddenly. Doing it can make the patient dizzy. Along with it the exercise which can create jerk should also be avoided for at least two-three weeks. Also avoid touching the stitched part with your hands.
• Avoid shaking the head: Do not shake the head and also do not give weight to it. It can cause dizziness. So also try to avoid the exercises which include shaking your head or giving a little load to it.
• Diet : After mastoidectomy, it is recommended to follow a soft or liquid diet initially, as these types of foods are easier to swallow. It is advisable to avoid consuming hot, spicy, or hard foods.
• Avoid cold things : It is a very important precaution to follow. Because it directly affects the immune system. If you cough or sneeze, it will create a pressure on the complete immune system and that can cause some damage to the surgeries part.
• Follow-up Appointments : Attending all follow-up appointments with the doctor is crucial after mastoidectomy. These appointments allow the doctor to monitor your healing progress, evaluate the success of the surgery, and address any concerns or complications that may arise. Regular check-ups enable the doctor to ensure that you are recovering well and to make any necessary adjustments to your post-operative care plan.
• Monitor for Signs of Complications : Monitoring your symptoms closely after mastoidectomy is essential. Keep an eye out for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus-like discharge from the surgical site. Excessive bleeding that does not subside with gentle pressure, severe or worsening pain, or a sudden change in hearing should also be taken seriously.