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Updated: Jan 29, 2026
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Discovering Middle Ear Anatomy by Transcanal Endoscopic Ear Surgery: A Dissection Manual
Published on: January 11, 2018
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Is Mastoid Head Bandage Really Required in Patients Undergoing Middle Ear Surgery? A Randomised Control Trial
Muhammad Hammad Deewani1, Muhammad Wasif Siddiqui2, Hassan Danish3
1Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
Summary
Routine head bandaging after middle ear surgery is not necessary. A randomized controlled trial found no reduction in complications, and it increased skin abrasions in patients.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Innovation
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Middle ear surgery is common for various ear conditions.
- Postoperative head bandaging is traditional but its necessity is debated.
- Limited evidence supports routine use of head bandages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the necessity of head bandaging post-middle ear surgery.
- To compare complications between mastoid head bandage and simple gauze dressing.
Main Methods:
- Eighty patients undergoing middle ear surgery were randomized.
- One group received a mastoid head bandage; the other, a gauze dressing.
- Complications like hematoma, erythema, abrasions, and infection were recorded.
Main Results:
- The mastoid bandage group had significantly more forehead skin abrasions (p=0.026).
- No significant differences in hematoma or seroma formation were observed.
- Neither dressing type prevented these specific complications.
Conclusions:
- Routine mastoid head bandaging is not necessary after middle ear surgery.
- It does not reduce complications and may increase patient discomfort.
- Larger studies are recommended to confirm findings and guide practice.
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