Mastoiditis and Mastoid Surgery Mastoiditis

is an inflammation of the mastoid resulting from an infection of the middle ear (otitis media). Since the
discovery of antibiotics, acute mastoiditis has been rare. Chronic otitis media may cause chronic
mastoiditis. Chronic mastoiditis can lead to the formation of cholesteatoma (ingrowth of the skin of the
external layer of the eardrum into the middle ear). If mastoiditis is untreated, osteomyelitis may occur.
Clinical Manifestations • Pain and tenderness behind the ear (postauricular) • Discharge from the
middle ear (otorrhea) • Mastoid area that becomes erythematous and edematous Medical Management
General symptoms are usually successfully treated with antibiotics; occasionally, myringotomy is
required. Surgical Management If recurrent or persistent tenderness, fever, headache, and discharge
from the ear are evident, mastoidectomy may be necessary to remove