Shaheed Syed Nazrul Islam Medical College Journal
Volume 11, Issue 1
January, 2026
Postoperative Complications of Mastoid Surgery: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Mahdee SN,1 Efa SS,2 Kali F,3 *Nurunnabi M4
Abstract
Background: Mastoid surgery is a common procedure in otolaryngology, but postoperative complications can occur, affecting patient outcomes. Evaluating the incidence and clinical profile of these complications is essential for improving surgical care.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and types of complications following mastoidectomy.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Otolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, Sylhet, from December 2014 to May 2015. All patients undergoing mastoid surgery during the study period were included using purposive sampling, excluding those with previous mastoid surgery, pre-existing middle ear complications, or unwillingness to participate. Mastoid surgeries included cortical, modified radical and radical mastoidectomies.
Results: Postoperative complications occurred in 7 patients (14%). Complications were more frequent in younger patients, with a mean age of 16.8±10.9 years. Minor complications (71.4%) were more common than major complications (28.6%). Modified radical mastoidectomy was the most performed procedure (84%), followed by radical (12%) and cortical mastoidectomy (4%). Complications were highest after radical mastoidectomy (33.3%). Specific complications included wound infection/gap (8%), meatal stenosis (4%), and major complications such as facial nerve paralysis, meningitis, and minor dural injury (2% each). Follow-up showed that most patients were complication-free at 1 week (88%), while 3-month follow-up indicated dry cavities (14%), discharging cavities (20%), and meatal stenosis (4%), with 64% lost to follow-up.
Conclusion: Postoperative complications after mastoidectomy were relatively low and mostly minor. Younger patients and more extensive surgeries had higher complication rates, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring and follow-up.
[Shaheed Syed Nazrul Islam Med Col J 2026, Jan; 11 (1):68-74]
DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.69699/ssnimcj.2026.11.1.10
Keywords: Postoperative complications, radical mastoidectomy, modified radical mastoidectomy, Sylhet, Bangladesh.
- Dr. Syed Nafi Mahdee, Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, Sylhet, Bangladesh.
- Dr. Syeda Sumaiya Efa, Deputy Director, Program & Research, BADAS TB Initiative Diabetic Association of Bangladesh.
- Dr. Fatema Kali, Assistant Professor, Department of Anaesthesia, Analgesia and Palliative Care, National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- *Dr. Mohammad Nurunnabi, Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Sylhet Women’s Medical College, Sylhet, Bangladesh. nur.somch@gmail.com
*For correspondence