Endoscopic mastoidectomy

February 21, 2007

I was scheduled today for a " second look " surgery after my first incidence

of cholesteatoma on the right side. I had my ear drum grafted to get rid

of the pocket back in October of 2005. At that time, I didn't need

reconstruction because of the way the growth went. It was over my ossicles

and back behind them. Needless to say, after five surgeries in 12 years, I

was in no hurry to go in again for yet another surgery.

But, as a good patient I did. My otologist said something to the effect of

we might be able to do this through a one inch incision if there aren't a

lot of adhesions and scar tissue, but don't get your hopes up.

Well, it WORKED! He didn't have to do a tympanoplasty because he didn't

need to go through the ear drum. He used similar tools as for a knee

arthroscopic surgery, but I imagine they were lots smaller. I had a few

areas of scarring that he was able to remove and a couple of c-toma pearls

that he was able to remove. I don't have any bandages, or packing, or

exterior stitches. I'll be able to wash my hair since there's glue on the

little tiny incision and I can even get WATER in my EAR!!!!! I'm taking

tylenol for what little pain I have and I'm happily at home, just hanging

out.

I so hope this becomes a more common approach to mastoidectomy. I know that

the circumstances have to be right, but I feel so lucky. I never thought

ear surgery could be like this.

--

Diane Chidgey McNelly

Sassy Suds, Inc.

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