Keywords
Tympanoplasty
Ossiculoplasty
Surgical Site Infection
Hematoma
Wound Dehiscence
Seroma
Head Bandage
How to Cite
Abstract
Objective: Head bandages are routinely used after mastoid surgery to prevent complications, but their benefit remains uncertain. This study compared postoperative outcomes with and without head bandages.
Methods: In this prospective observational cohort study, 100 patients undergoing mastoid surgery were divided into two groups: head bandage (n=50) and no head bandage (n=50). Outcomes included surgical site infection (SSI), hematoma, seroma, wound dehiscence, vertigo, and tinnitus. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v. 25.
Results: SSI was significantly lower in the head bandage group (8% vs. 26%, p=0.017). No significant differences were observed in hematoma (12% vs. 18%, P =0.401), wound dehiscence (14% vs. 20%, P =0.424), seroma (12% vs. 12%, P =1.000), vertigo (12% vs. 10%, P =0.749), or tinnitus (8% vs. 10%, P =0.727). Preoperative infection was strongly associated with wound dehiscence (35.7% vs. 3.4%, P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Head bandages may reduce SSI after mastoid surgery without affecting other complications. Preoperative infection is a key predictor of wound dehiscence. Larger multicenter studies are needed.
Keywords: Mastoidectomy; Otitis Media, Suppurative; Surgical Wound Infection; Postoperative Complications; Bandages, Pressure; Wound Dehiscence
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