[Possibilities for preserving hearing in labyrinth fistulas of different degrees of severity]

[Revision surgery after stapedectomy]

Revision stapes surgery is considered to be significantly more demanding than primary stapes surgery, both in terms of the indication and the surgical approach. This article reviews common indications for revision after stapedectomy as well as the surgical approaches and intraoperative findings. A distinction is made between revision surgeries, which are usually carried out because of conductive hearing loss a long time after stapes surgery, and acute or subacute revisions that become necessary in the immediate postoperative course. With the shortening of postoperative observation times under inpatient conditions as a result of increasing economization and the associated shift of the immediate postoperative phase to the outpatient setting, the recognition of postoperative irregularities is also becoming increasingly important for otorhinolaryngologists in private practice, even if they do not perform these highly specialized interventions themselves.

Surgical Treatment of Labyrinthine Fistula Caused by Cholesteatoma

In a 144-month period, 27 cases of labyrinthine fistula (LF) were seen, and 360 mastoid operations were performed; the LF prevalence was 7.5%. Primary symptoms were hypoacusis, otorrhea, vertigo, tinnitus, and otalgia. All patients underwent preoperative CT scans and preoperative audiometry. LF diagnosis was made before surgery for 93% of patients on the basis of symptoms, signs, and imaging studies. With respect to surgical technique, the canal-wall-down procedure was performed in 92%, and the canal-wall-up procedure was performed in 8%. In 88% of patients the fistula was located in the horizontal semicircular canal. In 96% of patients the cholesteatoma matrix was removed, and the fistula was sealed; in 4% of patients the matrix was left. With a follow-up of 13 years, vertigo disappeared in 96% of patients, and hearing remained unchanged in 70% of patients. Further complications of chronic otitis media existed in approximately half of the patients with LF. Open surgery with removal of the cholesteatoma matrix and sealing of the fistula with temporalis fascia in a canal-wall-down manner is a safe procedure that can make vertigo disappear and helps to preserve cochlear function.

Surgery of the ear and the lateral skull base: pitfalls and complications

Surgery of the ear and the lateral skull base is a fascinating, yet challenging field in otorhinolaryngology. A thorough knowledge of the associated complications and pitfalls is indispensable for the surgeon, not only to provide the best possible care to his patients, but also to further improve his surgical skills. Following a summary about general aspects in pre-, intra-and postoperative care of patients with disorders of the ear/lateral skull base, this article covers the most common pitfalls and complications in stapes surgery, cochlear implantation and surgery of vestibular schwannomas and jugulotympanal paragangliomas. Based on these exemplary procedures, basic "dos and don'ts" of skull base surgery are explained, which the reader can easily transfer to other disorders. Special emphasis is laid on functional aspects, such as hearing, balance and facial nerve function. Furthermore, the topics of infection, bleeding, skull base defects, quality of life and indication for revision surgery are discussed. An open communication about complications and pitfalls in ear/lateral skull base surgery among surgeons is a prerequisite for the further advancement of this fascinating field in ENT surgery. This article is meant to be a contribution to this process.

Preserving bone conduction in patients with labyrinthine fistula

The management of labyrinthine fistula is a controversial issue. Hearing preservation represents a major challenge. Retrospective study of 31 patients with labyrinthine fistula confirmed intra-operatively during cholesteatoma surgery. In all cases, total matrix removal was performed, and the fistula covered with bone dust, periostium and/or cartilage. Twenty-five patients received a high intra-operative dosage (500 mg) of intravenously applied steroids at least 15 min before handling the fistula. Outcome measurements included comparison of the pre-operative and post-operative bone conduction to assess inner ear function. The results were, the fistula was located in the lateral semicircular canal (LSC) in 22 patients (71.8%) and in the oval window in eight. One patient had a double localization in the superior and lateral semicircular canals. Out of the LSC fistulas, five patients (16.12%) had a fistula type I, 8 had type IIa (25.8%), four (12.9%) type IIb, and six patients type III (19.35%). Three out of eight patients with fistula located in the oval window had a total absence of the footplate, other four presented a partial anterior resorption at the level of the fissula antefenestram and the remaining one had a fractured platina. Pre-operatively, the bone conduction displayed a mean threshold of 35 dB. Twenty-two (85%) out of 26 patients treated intra-operatively with steroids showed preservation or improvement of bone conduction. Patients with fistulas of the oval window, type I, IIa and III fistulas in the LSC treated with cortisone presented good sensorineural hearing outcome (preservation or significant improvement of inner ear function in the majority of cases-91%); the auditory results for group IIb were inconclusive. Five patients did not receive steroids, four of them developed partial sensorineural hearing loss and one went deaf. To conclude, cholesteatoma surgery with a single-staged matrix removal on perilymphatic fistulas, after intra-operative intravenous administration of a high dosage of steroids followed by a multilayer closure of the fistula achieved a hearing preservation or improvement in 85% of our patients.

[Acute complications during middle ear surgery: part 1: Problems during tympanoplasty--what to do?]

Due to the unusual anatomical situation in the middle ear, there are a variety of possible complications that may occur during tympanoplasty. Dislocation of the ossicular chain with and without opening of the labyrinth, injuries to the facial nerve and hemorrhage from large arteries and veins may occur. Adequate management of these complications is necessary in order to avoid further damage for the patient. The first question in case of an acute complication is always whether it is possible to stop the operation. It is also important to determine the time to react, e.g. if an injury of the facial nerve is assumed, when a revision needs to be performed. It also should be considered to refer the patient to a colleague who is not as emotionally involved in the case as the primary surgeon.

Surgical treatment of labyrinthine fistula caused by cholesteatoma

In a 144-month period, 27 cases of labyrinthine fistula (LF) were seen, and 360 mastoid operations were performed; the LF prevalence was 7.5%. Primary symptoms were hypoacusis, otorrhea, vertigo, tinnitus, and otalgia. All patients underwent preoperative CT scans and preoperative audiometry. LF diagnosis was made before surgery for 93% of patients on the basis of symptoms, signs, and imaging studies. With respect to surgical technique, the canal-wall-down procedure was performed in 92%, and the canal-wall-up procedure was performed in 8%. In 88% of patients the fistula was located in the horizontal semicircular canal. In 96% of patients the cholesteatoma matrix was removed, and the fistula was sealed; in 4% of patients the matrix was left. With a follow-up of 13 years, vertigo disappeared in 96% of patients, and hearing remained unchanged in 70% of patients. Further complications of chronic otitis media existed in approximately half of the patients with LF. Open surgery with removal of the cholesteatoma matrix and sealing of the fistula with temporalis fascia in a canal-wall-down manner is a safe procedure that can make vertigo disappear and helps to preserve cochlear function.