Management of labyrinthine fistula and accompanying findings: The coexistence of labyrinthine fistula and the facial canal dehiscence

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe the audio-vestibular results of labyrinthine fistula surgery in patients with cholesteatoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data of 185 patients who had undergone surgery for cholesteatoma between 2001 and 2007 were reviewed. Three-layer sealing was used for the management of fistula. RESULTS: Twenty patients were found to have labyrinthine fistula, of which 11 (55%) were male and 9(45%) female. Fistula wase located in lateral semicircular canal in all cases. Correlation of labyrinthine fistula and facial nerve dehiscence was statistically significant. Follow up was done for 16 year. Postoperatively, vertigo disappeared in 19 (95%) patients. Hearing remained unchanged in 18 (90%) patients. Worsening in bone conduction thresholds was observed in 2 (10%) patients. Postoperative deafness did not occur. CONCLUSION: Possibility of facial nerve dehiscence and tegmen defect should be considered in patients with labyrinthine fistula. Three-layer sealing may be a valuable technique in surgical treatment of labyrinthine fistula, lowering the risk of cochleovestibular functions.