Often in Chronic Otitis we need to access the middle ear space and the mastoid cavity, behind the ear, to clear the inflammatory tissue, which produces the pus, or to remove the cholesteatoma. The cavity is usually left open for draining and inspection (photo). The operation is called Mastoidectomy, is done under general anaesthesia and lasts for approximately two hours. As in tympanoplasty, the patient can be discharged home on the next day. Healing takes more time than other ear operations. The ear needs to be kept dry for life. Follow-up and cleaning by a doctor once or twice a year is also necessary.

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