Surgical Treatment of Labyrinthine Fistula Caused by Cholesteatoma

Presentation, Management, and Hearing Outcomes of Labyrinthine Fistula Secondary to Cholesteatoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The current study systematically reviewed the literature to compare auditory outcomes of patients treated for labyrinthine fistula (LF) based on characteristics of disease and surgical management.

DATABASES REVIEWED

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science.

METHODS

Original series (at least five cases) published from 2000 reporting management and hearing results of LF secondary to cholesteatoma were included. Proportion and odds-ratio (OR) meta-analyses were conducted through inverse variance random-effects models based on logit transformation.

RESULTS

The prevalence of LF is estimated to be 7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5-9%). Fistulae involving the lateral semicircular canal (90%; 95% CI, 87-93%) and larger than 2 mm (53%; 95% CI, 43-64%) were common, whereas membranous involvement was less frequent (20%; 95% CI, 12-30%). Complete removal of the cholesteatoma matrix overlying the LF was mostly applied. Bone conduction (BC) preservation was frequently achieved (81%; 95% CI, 76-85%); new-onset postoperative anacusis was rarely reported (5%; 95% CI, 4-8%). A higher chance of BC preservation was associated with sparing the perilymphatic space (OR, 4.67; 95% CI, 1.26-17.37) or membranous labyrinth (OR, 4.56; 95% CI, 2.33-8.93), exclusive lateral semicircular canal involvement (OR, 3.52; 95% CI, 1.32-9.38), smaller size (<2 mm; OR, 3.03; 95% CI, 1.24-7.40), and intravenous steroid infusion (OR, 7.87; 95% CI, 2.34-26.42).

CONCLUSION

LF occurs in a significant proportion of patients with cholesteatoma. In the past two decades, complete removal of the cholesteatoma matrix followed by immediate sealing has been favored, supported by the high proportion of BC preservation. Hearing preservation depends primarily on characteristics of the LF, and specific surgical strategies should be pursued. Intraoperative and postoperative intravenous steroid infusion is recommended.

Evaluation of Semicircular Canal Function by Video Head Impulse Test in Patients With Labyrinthine Fistula Due to Cholesteatoma

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate semicircular canal function in patients with labyrinthine fistula (LF) due to cholesteatoma by the video Head Impulse Test (vHIT).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case review.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

Ten patients with LF due to cholesteatoma and six without LF underwent vestibular examination.

INTERVENTION

Diagnostic.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The gain in vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) and the presence of catch-up saccade were examined for the semicircular canals in patients with LF.

RESULTS

Seven of 10 cases (70.0%) in the fistula group were judged to have semicircular canal dysfunction based on preoperative evaluation. VOR gains in the patients with LF were significantly lower than those in the patients without LF. VOR gain decreased significantly in accordance with the severity of the LF. The postoperative VOR gain more than 6 months after surgery was significantly improved compared with the preoperative VOR gain.

CONCLUSIONS

The vHIT is thought to be the most suitable method for evaluating semicircular canal function in patients with LF due to cholesteatoma as it is not influenced by middle ear pathology and can evaluate the function of the vertical canals. The vHIT could predict whether a LF is present or not before surgery, and the vHIT is essential for surgery for patients with LF.

Clinical efficacy of the 'sandwich technique' in repairing cholesteatoma with labyrinthine fistula

BACKGROUND

Labyrinthine fistula is the most common complication of middle ear cholesteatoma.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES

To explore the postoperative hearing changes and surgical results of repairing middle ear cholesteatoma with labyrinthine fistula using the 'sandwich technique'.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively studied the clinical data of 36 patients (36 ears) who underwent surgical treatment for cholesteatoma with labyrinthine fistula. All patients were treated by completely removing the cholesteatoma matrix and repairing the fistula using the 'sandwich technique'. The hearing, clinical features, radiological data, intraoperative findings, and surgical results were respectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Most labyrinthine fistulas were located in the lateral semicircular canal (94%). Fifty percent of fistulas were of medium size. Based on Dornhoffer classification, 17 cases of labyrinthine fistulas were classified as I. In 34 patients, the average bone conduction threshold improved or did not change after surgery. Two patients had preoperative facial paralysis. During follow-up (3-60 months), all patients had no postoperative vertigo symptoms and disease recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Following the removal of the cholesteatoma matrix, the fistula is repaired using the "sandwich technique", which preserves or increases hearing and achieves an anti-vertiginous effect.

SIGNIFICANCE

This finding suggests that, 'sandwich technique' is a feasible procedure to treat cholesteatoma with labyrinthine fistula.

Post-operative hearing among patients with labyrinthine fistula as a complication of cholesteatoma using "under water technique"

Introduction

During surgery in patients with labyrinthine fistula the mandatory complete removal of the cholesteatoma while preserving inner ear and vestibular function is a challenge. Options so far have been either the complete removal of the cholesteatoma or leaving the matrix on the fistula. We evaluated an alternative “under water” surgical technique for complete cholesteatoma resection, in terms of preservation of postoperative inner ear and vestibular function.

Methods

From 2013 to 2019, 20 patients with labyrinthine fistula due to cholesteatoma were operated. We used the canal wall down approach and removal of matrix on the fistula was done as the last step during surgery using the “under water technique”. The pre and postoperative hearing tests and the vestibular function were retrospectively examined.

Results

There was no significant difference between pre and post-operative bone conduction thresholds; 20% experienced an improvement of more than 10 dB, with none experiencing a postoperative worsening of sensorineural hearing loss. Among seven patients who presented with vertigo, two had transient vertigo postoperatively but eventually recovered.

Conclusion

Our data show that the “under water technique” for cholesteatoma removal at the labyrinthine fistula is a viable option in the preservation of inner ear function and facilitating complete cholesteatoma removal.

Positional nystagmus in middle ear cholesteatoma with labyrinthine fistula

Chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma can cause erosion of the dense labyrinthine bone overlying the inner ear organs, and this labyrinthine fistula allows pressure or mass-induced motion of the underlying perilymphatic and endolymphatic compartment, evoking vestibular symptoms. While the mechanism of a positive fistula test, which is conducted by increasing or decreasing the external auditory canal pressure, has been well established, the mechanism underlying positional nystagmus in labyrinthine fistula has not been discussed yet. In the present study, we propose a new hypothesis accounting for positional nystagmus in labyrinthine fistula involving the lateral semicircular canal (LSCC), i.e., the change in intracranial cerebrospinal fluid pressure by position change is transmitted to the perilymphatic space, causing ampullopetal (excitatory) or ampullofugal (inhibitory) deflection of the LSCC cupula.

Endoscopic Management of Primary Acquired Cholesteatoma

Endoscopic ear surgery is increasingly accepted as a primary modality for cholesteatoma surgery. A major advantage is the enhanced visualization of the middle ear in traditionally poorly accessible locations by the microscope. We discuss novel techniques for selective mastoid obliteration when a canal wall down mastoidectomy is necessary. Postoperatively, indications for non-echo planar diffusion-weighted imaging MRI versus second-look surgery are discussed. Finally, outcome data for endoscopic versus microscopic ear surgery are reviewed, which show equivalent outcomes regarding residual and recurrent disease, similar rates of complications, decreased pain, and shorter healing time.

Management of invasive intralabyrinthine cholesteatoma: Can one realistically preserve hearing when disease is medial to the otic capsule?

PURPOSE

To report our long-term results in surgical management of invasive intralabyrinthine cholesteatoma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study is a case series in a tertiary referral center. Retrospective chart review of all mastoid operations performed for chronic ear disease between 1994 and 2019 at University Health Network, Toronto. The type of surgery, intraoperative findings, hearing outcome, recurrence of disease and the need for revision surgery were evaluated.

RESULTS

10 cases of extensive petrous bone cholesteatoma medial to the otic capsule were identified in 616 mastoid surgeries. All but one patient with extensive petrous bone cholesteatoma who underwent an exteriorizing procedure to preserve cochlear function failed the first surgery. A second procedure was needed in all cases due to complications which included facial palsy, recurrent cholesteatoma or internal auditory canal (IAC) abscess. Hearing was not preserved in any patient. In contrast, 57 ears with cholesteatomatous labyrinthine fistula lateral to the otic capsule had matrix exteriorized and had very good long-term results.

CONCLUSION

We were rarely able to preserve hearing in massive petrous bone cholesteatoma. There should be no hesitation to remove the otic capsule to exteriorize diseases even under circumstances where residual cochlear and vestibular function is present if required to provide a safe ear.

Surgery for Cholesteatomatous Labyrinthine Fistula

OBJECTIVE

There is uncertainty regarding the ideal surgical management of cholesteatomatous labyrinthine fistulae. The objective was to review the published evidence to determine whether a difference exists in hearing outcome for cholesteatoma matrix removal or matrix exteriorization.

DATA SOURCES

Systematic MEDLINE and Web of Science searches identified publications describing hearing results after cholesteatoma matrix removal or matrix exteriorization.

REVIEW METHODS

Three reviewers appraised the studies for quality, level of evidence, and extracted data. Fistula characteristics such as single-site, multisite, size, grade, and follow-up time were extracted for subanalyses, and when appropriate, data were pooled for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight articles met inclusion criteria, and the level of evidence was judged no better than level 3b. There was no difference in hearing preservation detected between matrix removal and exteriorization (87% for matrix removal, 95% CI, 0.82-0.90; 95% for exteriorization, 95% CI, 0.85-0.98). An analysis of the individual cohort studies that compared these groups directly did not show a difference in calculated odds ratio (OR), 0.96 (95% CI, 0.66-1.40).

CONCLUSION

The level of evidence on which to base surgical decision making related to cholesteatomatous labyrinthine fistula is poor, and the data do not demonstrate significant differences in hearing outcomes based on surgical technique.

Canal wall window mastoidectomy for extensive labyrinthine cholesteatoma: total dissection and hearing preservation

This case report highlights outcomes of a 6-year-old patient who preserved functional hearing after complete dissection of an extensive labyrinthine cholesteatoma causing two semicircular canals fistulas with endolymph leak, tympanic and labyrinthine fallopian canal erosion of the facial nerve and internal auditory canal invasion with cerebrospinal fluid leak. The patient preserved 40 dB average of bone conduction threshold and 92% of speech discrimination score at 26 months postoperatively. This article reveals that canal wall window mastoidectomy might be an option even in cases of extensive cholesteatomatous labyrinthine fistula therefore avoiding hearing loss and long life cleaning of a canal wall down mastoid cavity.

Prognostic indicators of hearing after complete resection of cholesteatoma causing a labyrinthine fistula

The objectives of this study are (1) to evaluate hearing change after complete cholesteatoma resection in the setting of a labyrinthine fistula, (2) to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the preoperative CT-scan in diagnosing a labyrinthine fistula, and (3) to determine the correlation between the type of the labyrinthine fistula and its radiologic size. A retrospective chart review of all patients operated for cholesteatoma between 2004 and 2009 was conducted. Primary outcome was defined as the average variation in bone conduction thresholds (BCTs) as well as speech discrimination score (SDS) after total excision of cholesteatoma causing a labyrinthine fistula. We reviewed all preoperative CT-scans and operative notes to assess sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of a labyrinthine fistula. Results show that 317 patients underwent mastoidectomy for cholesteatoma. Twenty-eight patients were found to have 32 labyrinthine fistulas caused by cholesteatomatous disease affecting the lateral semi-circular canal (SCC) (n = 25), the superior SCC (n = 5), the posterior SCC (n = 1) and the footplate (n = 1). Postoperative BCT and SDS (24.5 dB; 86.6%) were neither clinically nor statistically different from preoperative levels (23.2 dB; 87.5%) (p = 0.35). Sensitivity and specificity of the preoperative high resolution 0.55 mm cuts CT-scan was 100%. With a fistula of 3.55 mm in the axial plan, a membraneous fistula must be suspected with a sensitivity of 66% and a specificity of 71%. Complete matrix resection without suctioning at the site of a cholesteatomatous labyrinthine fistula is a safe and effective management option. High-resolution preoperative CT-scan is very precise in diagnosing labyrinthine fistula and its radiologic size helps to predict the type of the fistula.

Management of labyrinthine fistulae in Kyoto University Hospital

CONCLUSION

In cases of labyrinthine fistulae, we performed complete removal of the cholesteatoma matrix in a one-stage procedure, resulting in a satisfactory bone conduction (BC) hearing preservation rate. Preoperative evaluation of labyrinthine fistulae using high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) detected 86% of cases, and this contributed to favorable results achieved with the surgical treatment of labyrinthine fistulae. We aimed to review cases of labyrinthine fistulae to summarize their outcomes and establish standards of management.

METHODS

This was a retrospective chart review of 22 patients with labyrinthine fistulae at Kyoto University Hospital from 2001 to 2009. Patient background (age and sex), location and stage of the fistulae, facial nerve status, preoperative and postoperative BC hearing levels, preoperative CT diagnosis, and surgical procedures were analyzed.

RESULTS

The incidence rate of the labyrinthine fistulae was 11.2%. All but one patient had labyrinthine fistula due to cholesteatoma. The fistulae were found in the lateral semicircular canal in 17 cases (77%) and in multiple organs in 4 cases (18%). The BC hearing level was preoperatively scaled out in seven cases. Preoperative HRCT scan revealed the presence of fistulae in 19 cases (86%). For all cases of cholesteatoma, the matrix was completely removed in a one-stage procedure and the fistulae were sealed using bone pate, temporal fascia, and temporal bones. Of the 15 cases with residual BC hearing ability, BC hearing was preserved in up to 12 cases. Two cases with postoperative deterioration of BC hearing had stage 4 fistulae in the cochleae.

Surgical treatment of labyrinthine fistula caused by cholesteatoma with semicircular canal occlusion

CONCLUSION

Semicircular canal occlusion after completely removing cholesteatoma matrix is a safe and effective approach for treatment of labyrinthine fistula.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the safety and efficacy of semicircular canal occlusion for surgical treatment of labyrinthine fistula caused by cholesteatoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-two patients with labyrinthine fistula who were treated surgically were enrolled in the study. All patients were treated by completely removing the cholesteatoma matrix followed by semicircular canal occlusion.

RESULTS

With a follow-up of at least 6 months, there was no recurrent cholesteatoma in any of the patients. Vertigo disappeared in all the patients. Most patients presented no hearing detriment and four of them demonstrated hearing improvement. No patient presented with surgery-related deafness postoperatively.

Surgical treatment of labyrinthine fistula in patients with cholesteatoma

Labyrinthine fistula is one of the most common complications of chronic otitis media associated with cholesteatoma. The optimal management of labyrinthine fistula, however, remains controversial. Between 1995 and 2005, labyrinthine fistulae were detected in 31 (6 per cent) patients in our institution. The canal wall down technique was used in 27 (87 per cent) patients. The cholesteatoma matrix was completely removed in the first stage in all patients. Bone dust and/or temporalis fascia was inserted to seal the fistula in 29 (94 per cent) patients. A post-operative hearing test was undertaken in 27 patients; seven (26 per cent) patients showed improved hearing, 17 (63 per cent) showed no change and three (11 per cent) showed a deterioration. The study findings indicate that there are various treatment strategies available for cholesteatoma, and that the treatment choice should be based on such criteria as auditory and vestibular function, the surgeon's ability and experience, and the location and size of the fistula.

Surgical treatment of labyrinthine fistula in cholesteatoma surgery

Objective/Hypothesis: Evaluate the treatment of labyrinthine fistula in a large series of middle ear cholesteatomas.

Study Design: Case series in a tertiary referral center.

Methods: Between January 2001 and December 2007, 361 ears affected by mastoid and middle ear cholesteatoma were operated at our institution. The incidence of labyrinthine fistula, preoperative and postoperative hearing function, preoperative symptoms, type of surgery, and intraoperative findings were all analyzed.

Results: The incidence of labyrinthine fistula was 12.7 percent. During surgery the matrix over the fistula was removed in all but one case. A labyrinthine fistula occurred in larger cholesteatomas as demonstrated by the higher number of cases with more than two sites involved ( P < 0.001), facial nerve exposed ( P < 0.001), and stapes superstructure eroded ( P = 0.010). Postoperative change of bone conduction threshold and postoperative dead ears were not significantly different between fistula and nonfistula cases.

Conclusions: The preservation of the bone conduction threshold is a common finding in small fistulas and can be obtained also in “large” fistulas when appropriate surgical technique is used. In fistulas involving the promontory the matrix should be left in situ when the endosteum is involved.

Bilateral promontory fistula due to noncholesteatomatous chronic otitis media

The authors describe a case of bilateral promontory fistula due to noncholesteatomatous chronic otitis media in a 46-year-old male. We performed both open cavity mastoidectomy and left staged ossiculoplasty. One year postoperatively, the audiogram showed an improved left air conduction threshold and maintenance of bone conduction. We suggest that noncholesteatomatous chronic otitis media can induce various destructive changes via the chronic inflammatory reaction.

Three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging investigation of inner ear disturbances in cases of middle ear cholesteatoma with labyrinthine fistula

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the cause of inner ear disturbances in cases of middle ear cholesteatoma with labyrinthine fistula.

SETTING

University hospital.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective case study.

PATIENTS

Eight patients who were scheduled to undergo surgery for middle ear cholesteatoma with labyrinthine fistula were included in this study.

INTERVENTION

Imaging analysis was performed using a 3-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging sequence.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Three-dimensional FLAIR findings were compared with clinical symptoms associated with inner ear disturbance and surgical observations of the fistula.

RESULTS

Three-dimensional FLAIR in 6 patients revealed areas of high signal intensity in the inner ears on the affected sides and areas with increased signal after the administration of gadolinium, especially in cases accompanied by acute sensorineural hearing loss. These images were considered to be indicative of breakdown of the blood-labyrinth barrier due to middle ear cholesteatoma. This finding was also present in a patient with no clinical symptoms of inner ear disturbances.

CONCLUSION

Three-dimensional FLAIR images of the inner ear are valuable in evaluating labyrinthine fistula in patients with cholesteatoma. Future studies are needed to better understand the role of 3-dimensional FLAIR in predicting the severity of inner ear disturbance.

Fistula of the Cochlear Labyrinth in Noncholesteatomatous Chronic Otitis Media

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the clinical aspects and management of promontory fistula of the cochlear labyrinth.

STUDY DESIGN

Case report and review of the literature.

SETTING

University hospital, tertiary referral center.

PATIENT, INTERVENTION, AND RESULTS

The authors describe an unusual case of cochlear fistula localized to the promontory discovered during tympanoplasty for noncholesteatomatous chronic otitis media in a 59-year-old woman. Bone conduction was slightly impaired after operation and hearing improved after a revision myringoplasty performed for reperforation.

CONCLUSION

Erosion of the bone of the labyrinth can also be observed in noncholesteatomatous otitis media. The presence of a fistula is not always associated with profound hearing loss. Overlying pathologic tissue can be removed without damaging the membranous labyrinth.

Management of labyrinthine fistulae in chronic ear surgery

The appropriate management of labyrinthine fistulae has been debated in the literature for years. After several recent cases of labyrinthine fistulae at our institution, a review of the published data regarding hearing outcome with fistula management was undertaken. Results of this critical review were presented at departmental grand rounds. The grand rounds presentation, data and discussion are presented to better illuminate the topic of labyrinthine fistula management.

Management of chronic otitis media in the only hearing ear

OBJECTIVE

Chronic ear surgery is difficult. The management of such a disease either with or without cholesteatoma and in an only hearing ear is particularly challenging. Consequences of disease or unintended outcomes of therapy can both result in patient lifestyle alterations of major proportion. This report offers a diagnostic and treatment plan for chronic otitis media with and without cholesteatoma in the only hearing ear.

METHODS

More than 10,000 charts of patients with chronic otitis media were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-seven charts of patients with chronic otitis media in an only hearing ear who underwent surgical treatment were identified. The patients were followed for an average time of 43 months.

RESULTS

Overall, the chronic otitis media was well controlled, and there was no change in the average discrimination or hearing thresholds when comparing preoperative and postoperative results.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic otitis media with and without cholesteatoma in an only hearing ear can be treated successfully with hearing preservation. Canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy is performed in most cases. Manipulation of the ossicular chain is avoided, and cholesteatoma that lies over a potential fistula is exteriorized.

Acute vestibulopathy

Acute vestibulopathy is characterized by the acute or subacute onset of vertigo, dizziness or imbalance with or without ocular motor, sensory, postural or autonomic symptoms and signs, and can last for seconds to up to several days. Acute vestibular lesions may result from a hypofunction or from pathological excitation of various peripheral or central vestibular structures (labyrinth, vestibular nerve, vestibular nuclei, cerebellum or ascending pathways to the thalamus and the cortex). This update focuses on new aspects of the aetiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and treatment of (i) acute peripheral disorders (benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo, vestibular neuritis, Menière's disease, perilymph fistula, especially 'superior canal dehiscence syndrome', vestibular paroxysmia); and (ii) acute central vestibular disorders (especially 'vestibular migraine'). Finally, the clinical relevance of recent diagnostic tools (three-dimensional analysis of eye movement, imaging techniques) is discussed.