Discharge Instructions for Mastoidectomy (Pediatric)

Your child had a procedure called mastoidectomy. This is the surgical removal of the mastoid bone, which can be felt behind the ear. Mastoidectomy is performed when the mastoid bone is infected or to remove growths from the middle ear. Here's what you need to know about home care.

What to Expect

• Expect a small amount of drainage from the ear.

• Don't be alarmed if the skin of your child’s outer ear is numb. This is a result of the surgery. The feeling should return within a few months.

Ear and Incision Care

• Give your child medication exactly as directed.

• Keep your child’s head slightly elevated for the first 24 hours after the child gets home.

• Help your child to avoid anything that makes his or her ears pop.

• Discourage your child from blowing his or her nose. Don’t allow your child to hold the nose closed.

• Show your child how to sneeze with the mouth open.

• Allow your child to shower as necessary, starting 3 days after surgery. A tub bath is allowed as long as your child doesn’t put his or her head in the water.

• Keep the ear dry. You can place a cotton ball dabbed with a small amount of petroleum jelly in the outer ear to keep water out during a bath or shower.

Activity

• Make sure your child avoids activities that involve heavy lifting and straining.

• Get your doctor's permission before allowing your child to fly in a plane or swim.

• Ask your doctor when your child may return to school.

Follow-Up

Make follow-up appointments as directed by our staff. Your child’s ear has special packing material in it. Parts of this material may need to be removed at specific times.