About Styloidectomy
Key Highlights
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Provides definitive relief from chronic throat and ear pain associated with Eagle's Syndrome.Can significantly improve swallowing function and quality of life.Often performed with minimally invasive techniques, potentially reducing recovery time.Targets the root anatomical cause of the symptoms rather than just managing pain.High success rate in resolving the classic symptoms when performed for correct indications.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosed Eagle's Syndrome with an elongated styloid process (typically > 25-30mm) confirmed by imaging (CT scan or panoramic X-ray).
- Persistent, unexplained throat pain (odynophagia) or a constant foreign body sensation in the throat (pharyngeal).
- Chronic facial pain, jaw pain, or ear pain (otalgia) that radiates and is linked to head movement or swallowing.
- Difficulty or pain during swallowing (dysphagia).
- Pain upon turning the head or applying pressure to the tonsillar fossa area.
- Symptoms that are unresponsive to conservative treatments like medication or physical therapy.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic imaging, such as a 3D CT scan, to precisely visualize the styloid process length and its relation to surrounding structures.
- A thorough medical history review and physical examination by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
- Pre-operative blood tests and possibly an ECG to ensure fitness for anesthesia.
- Discussion of anesthesia options (local with sedation or general anesthesia) and obtaining informed consent.
- Instructions to fast (no food or drink) for 6-8 hours before the procedure if general anesthesia is planned.
- Adjustment or temporary cessation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the surgeon and physician.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding, hematoma, or infection at the surgical site.
- Injury to nearby critical structures, including cranial nerves (which can affect taste, tongue movement, or sensation), major blood vessels, or salivary glands.
- Temporary or, rarely, permanent numbness or altered sensation in the tongue, throat, or face.
- Difficulty swallowing or voice changes in the immediate post-operative period.
- Scarring, particularly with an external (transcervical) approach.
- Incomplete resolution of symptoms or recurrence if a portion of the styloid process remains.
- Risks associated with anesthesia.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay is usually short, often 1 day for observation, especially if an external approach was used.
- Expect a sore throat, jaw stiffness, and some swelling for the first several days; managed with prescribed pain medication and cold compresses.
- A soft or liquid diet is recommended for the first 1-2 weeks to avoid irritation and aid healing.
- Strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 2-3 weeks.
- Good oral hygiene with gentle rinsing (as directed) is crucial to prevent infection.
- Follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor healing and remove any sutures.
- Full resolution of pre-operative symptoms may take several weeks as inflammation subsides.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days
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Expected recovery time: 2-4 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering styloidectomy in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in Turkey with dental surgery departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform styloidectomy. MediFyr helps you compare dental surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for styloidectomy compare across other countries where we have data.
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