Mastoidectomy

Definition:
Mastoid air cells are open, air-containing spaces in one of the skull bones. A mastoidectomy is the surgical removal of these mastoid air cells. The surgery may extend into the middle ear. This surgery is now seldom needed since the widespread use of antibiotics.

Alternative Names:
Surgical removal of mastoid air cells


Review Date: 8/21/2001
Reviewed By: Ashutosh Kacker, M.D., Department of Otolaryngology, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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