Mastoidectomy A mastoidectomy is a surgical procedure designed to remove infection or growths in the mastoid bone, located in the skull behind the ear. A mastoidectomy is a treatment for infection of the mastoid air cells, called mastoiditis that does not respond to antibiotic therapy. A mastoidectomy is used for the prevention of serious complications of mastoiditis including meningitis (infection in the fluid around the brain), brain abscess (infection of a region of the brain), or blood clots in veins of the brain. Mastoidectomy may protect a patient from hearing loss due to cholesteatoma, a mass of skin cells and cholesterol in the middle ear that can grow and damage the mastoid bone and middle ear bones, affecting balance and hearing. A mastoidectomy may also be used to help find and repair a damaged facial nerve. A mastoidectomy is performed with the patient fully asleep (under general anesthesia). A surgical incision is made behind the ear to expose the mastoid bone. A surgical drill is used to open this area so that growths or infected tissues can be removed. Sutures or stitches under the skin are used to close the incision. A drainage tube may also be placed. Patients should consult their physician for a complete explanation of the procedure and its associated risks and complications.