What is a Tympanomastoidectomy? What are its purposes and procedures?

Tympanomastoidectomy is a type of surgery used in ear procedures. This operation is performed in cases where there is disease or infection in the middle ear and mastoid area (a structure composed of air cells within the temporal bone of the skull). It is commonly preferred for the treatment of chronic middle ear infections (chronic otitis media), cholesteatoma (abnormal cell growth in the middle ear), or mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid area).

Purpose of the Surgery:

1. To clean middle ear infections and inflammations.
2. To remove dangerous formations, such as cholesteatoma.
3. To restore or improve hearing.
4. To prevent the spread of infection to vital organs like the brain.

Surgical Process:

• Tympanoplasty: This involves reconstructing the eardrum and repairing the ossicular chain (small bones in the ear). There are different types based on the procedures performed.
• Mastoidectomy: This involves cleaning the infected or diseased cells in the mastoid bone with the help of a drill.

The procedure is done under general anaesthesia, and in the postoperative period, the patient is monitored for infection control and hearing loss. The type of surgery may vary depending on the extent of the disease and individual needs.