Imaging of the mastoid, middle ear, and internal auditory canal after surgery: what every radiologist should know.

Interpreting CT or MR imaging examinations performed on patients with a history of middle ear, mastoid, or neurotologic surgery can be challenging. This is greatly simplified by knowing the surgical procedures used and the expected postoperative appearance. These are reviewed and illustrated in this article. Knowing the normal postoperative appearance is the key to recognizing signs of recurrent disease.