Mastoidectomy

Mastoidectomy is an operation performed for the treatment of chronic ear disease, specifically chronic infection of the mastoid cavity, the middle ear cleft or a condition called Choleastoma.

The operation involves an incision behind the ear, the use of an operating microscope and a drill. Bone over the mastoid cavity is drilled away to expose infected tissue where it is then removed.

The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic, takes 2-3 hours of operating and 1 or 2 days of hospitalisation.

In children, the operation is frequently performed around the age of 5, in adults it is performed with increasing frequency from the age of 20 through to the age of 60 years.