Skull Base 2006; 16(3): 133-143
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-949514
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Copyright © 2006 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Transmastoid Partial Labyrinthectomy for Brainstem Vascular Lesions: Clinical Outcomes and Assessment of Postoperative Cochleovestibular Function

Michael A. Taplin1 , Richard Anthony1 , Michael Tymianski2 , Michael C. Wallace2 , John A. Rutka1
  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • 2Department of Neurosurgery, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Publikationsverlauf

Publikationsdatum:
16. August 2006 (online)

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To discuss the transmastoid partial labyrinthectomy approach for brainstem vascular lesions, with respect to hearing and balance preservation. Design: Retrospective case series. Setting: Tertiary referral center (University Health Network, Toronto). Participants: Nine consecutive surgical patients between 1999 and 2004. Main outcome measures: Clinical, audiometric, and electrophysiological vestibular data. Results: Nine transmastoid partial labyrinthectomy procedures (all females) were performed. In seven patients the underlying pathology was an intra-axial brainstem cavernous malformation. Two patients were treated for a basilar artery aneurysm. All patients had progressive neurological signs. Serviceable hearing (pure tone average (PTA): < 50 dB; speech discrimination score (SDS): > 50%) was preserved in seven patients. Partial vestibular function (clinical and electrophysiological) was maintained in most patients. Conclusions: The partial labyrinthectomy approach to the skull base provides excellent exposure while preserving cochleovestibular function in most patients.

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John A RutkaM.D. 

Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, 8N-873

200 Elizabeth St., Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada

eMail: john.rutka@uhn.on.ca