A mastoidectomy is a procedure performed to remove the mastoid air cells,[1] air bubbles in the skull, near the inner ears. This can be done as part of treatment for mastoiditis, chronic suppurative otitis media or cholesteatoma. In addition, it is sometimes performed as part of other procedures (cochlear implant) or for access to the middle ear.
There are classically 5 different types of mastoidectomy:
- Radical
Removal of posterior and superior canal wall, meatoplasty and exteriorisation of middle ear.
- Cortical
(Also known as schwartze procedure) – Removal of Mastoid air cells is undertaken without affecting the middle ear. This is typically done for mastoiditis
