Translabyrinthine

Surgical Procedure

Translabyrinthine Approach

Indications for Surgery

Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Scwannnoma), Vestibular Nerve Section, Vascular Compression, Meningioma, Skull Base Fracture, Facial Nerve Decompression, Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence, Skull Base Tumors, Aneurysms, Cholesterol Granulomma.

Anesthesia

General

Surgical Time

2.5-4 hours

Hospital Admission

Yes, 2-4 days

Surgical Procedure

An incision is made behind the ear with removal of the mastoid bone (mastoidectomy). Further extension of the surgical approach occurs with removal of the inner ear balance canals (labyrinthectomy) producing complete loss of balance and hearing function in the ear. Bone is removed exposing the structures of the internal auditory canal and the brain cavity. The approach is closed with a fat graft taken from the abdominal wall to both fill the space of bone removal and to prevent leakage of the fluid that surrounds the brain called cerebrospinal fluid. The incision is closed and a head wrap dressing is worn for three days. All sutures are placed with dissolvable material under the skin.