What is an expected finding during recovery from a mastoidectomy?

During recovery from a mastoidectomy, an expected finding is improved hearing. This surgical procedure is typically performed to remove infected or affected tissues from the mastoid bone, which is located behind the ear. The primary purpose of a mastoidectomy is often to treat chronic ear infections or complications arising from these infections, and a key outcome of the surgery is to restore or enhance hearing function.

Improved hearing can result from the removal of infection and inflammation, allowing the structures of the ear to function more effectively. If there was previously a blockage or damage to the tympanic membrane or ossicles, the surgery's correction can lead to noticeable improvement in auditory function.

While increased dizziness may occur in some patients post-operatively, it is often a temporary issue related to the inner ear's balance functions rather than a direct goal of the surgery. Decreased appetite and ear drainage can occur for a variety of reasons, such as nausea or residual drainage from the surgery, but these are not positive outcomes one would expect to manage in the context of recovery from a mastoidectomy.