Is mastoid head bandage really required in patients undergoing middle ear surgery? a randomised control trial
Deewani, Muhammad Hammad Siddiqui, Muhammad Wasif Danish, Hassan Awan, Muhammad Ozair Awan, Muhammad Sohail Mughal, Ainulakbar Vardag, Abdul Basit Pasha, Hamdan Iftikhar, Haissan
Deewani, Muhammad Hammad
Siddiqui, Muhammad Wasif
Danish, Hassan
Awan, Muhammad Ozair
Awan, Muhammad Sohail
Mughal, Ainulakbar
Vardag, Abdul Basit
Pasha, Hamdan
Iftikhar, Haissan
Abstract
Background: Middle ear surgery is a common procedure addressing various pathologies. Postoperative head bandaging has traditionally been used to provide support and prevent complications. However, its necessity remains controversial, with limited empirical evidence supporting its routine use.
Objective: This randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluated the necessity of head bandaging in middle ear surgery by comparing postoperative complications between a mastoid head bandage and a simple gauze dressing.
Methods: Eighty patients scheduled for middle ear surgery were randomly assigned to two groups: the Pressure Bandage group, where a crepe bandage was wrapped around the head, and the No Pressure Bandage group, where a gauze dressing was secured with Mefix tape. All surgeries were performed by a single otolaryngologist using standardised techniques, with the surgeon blinded to the dressing type. Postoperative complications, including hematoma, erythema, skin abrasion and wound infection, were recorded and compared.
Results: The mastoid bandage group had a significantly higher incidence of forehead skin abrasions (6/40 vs. 0/40, p = 0.026). No significant differences were observed in hematoma or seroma formation, as neither group developed these complications.
Conclusion: Routine mastoid head bandaging does not appear necessary, as it does not reduce postoperative complications and may increase patient discomfort due to skin abrasions. Larger studies with longer follow-ups are recommended to strengthen these findings and guide clinical practice.
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Date
2026
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Article
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Deewani MH, Siddiqui MW, Danish H, Awan MO, Awan MS, Mughal A, Vardag AB, Pasha H, Iftikhar H. Is Mastoid Head Bandage Really Required in Patients Undergoing Middle Ear Surgery? A Randomised Control Trial. Clin Otolaryngol. 2026 Jan 27. doi: 10.1111/coa.70092. Epub ahead of print.