Are mastoid pressure dressings necessary after otologic surgery to prevent postoperative hematomas?

BACKGROUND The use of mastoid pressure dressings following otologic surgery is a common practice. Many styles of commercially available or improvised pressure dressings are available. The primary purpose of all such dressings is to prevent postoperative wound hematomas or seromas. Either complication may cause the patient pain, necessitate drainage, or increase the risk of postoperative wound infection. Does the routine use of mastoid pressure dressings, however, decrease the risk of postoperative complications? Although placing a mastoid pressure dressing is a relatively simple endeavor, one must balance potential efficacy with considerations of cost, both in time and monetary expense, and potential risk of pressureinduced complications such as headache and focal skin necrosis (Fig. 1).