treatment

Last reviewed 01/2018

Antibiotics - determined by the sensitivity of the organism. Preferably, intravenous.

Cortical mastoidectomy is indicated where:

  • the response to antibiotics is incomplete; or
  • there is a subperiosteal abscess

The aim is to drain the mastoid antrum and air cells without touching the middle ear, ossicles or external meatus.

A post-aural incision exposes the mastoid process bone and the cortex is removed by drilling. Any pus or granulation tissue is removed from all of the mastoid cells and finally, the incision closed with accompanying drainage.