Cholesteatoma

Sometimes aggressive ear infections can involve the bone behind the ear (mastoid). Such an infection (cholesteatoma) can at times spread to the structures surrounding the ear and lead to complications. Mastoidectomy is a procedure done in such cases for removal of disease, from the mastoid and middle ear, with or without reconstruction of tympanic membrane and hearing apparatus. This is usually done under general anesthesia. Patients may be required to stay overnight in the hospital for observation.