Transmastoid Approach Research Articles

Study of Sigmoid Sinus Variations in the Temporal Bone by Micro Dissection and its Classification - A Cadaveric Study.

Introduction Sigmoid sinus (SS) variations have been classified variously in the literature. These classifications suffer from some form of shortcoming from a clinical point of view for their application. Objective We propose a clinically relevant classification of the SS in relation to the posterior semicircular canal (PSCC) and to the exposure of the presigmoid dural plate. The positioning of the SS was analyzed with reference to the volume of the mastoid and to the level of mastoid pneumatization. Methods A total of 94 formalin-preserved human cadaveric temporal bones were microdissected to carry out a complete mastoidectomy. The SS, the presigmoid dural plate, and the PSCC were exposed, and the position of the former was analyzed in relation to the latter two in order to classify the position of the SS into three grades. Results Grade I had the best exposure of the presigmoid dura and of the PSCC, while grade III had the poorest exposure of the presigmoid dura and of the PSCC. Grade I SS was associated with good pneumatization and higher mastoid volumes compared with grades II and III. Conclusions The SS exhibits considerable anatomic variability. A favorable positioning of the SS is associated with a large mastoid volume and pneumatization. A careful preoperative study of the imaging may help in understanding the positioning of the SS and the safety of various transmastoid approaches.

Middle Cranial Fossa Encephalocele and Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage: Etiology, Approach, Outcomes.

Objective To compare outcome data for surgical approaches in the management of a middle cranial fossa encephalocele or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and, secondarily, to evaluate the role of obesity and the etiology of the defect. Design Retrospective Setting Quaternary referral center Participants The study included 73 patients who underwent surgical repair of middle cranial fossa tegmen defects, two of which underwent bilateral repair. Outcome Measures Demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, etiology, imaging, audiometry, surgical findings, method and material for repair, and postoperative course. Results Fifty cases were spontaneous in origin, 2 were iatrogenic, and 23 were because of chronic otitis media. Of the 50, 18 underwent middle fossa craniotomy, 29 underwent a transmastoid approach, and 28 underwent a combined approach for repair. A postoperative CSF leak was seen in five patients: one who had undergone a transmastoid approach and four after a combined approach. There was no significant difference between the three approaches and risk of postoperative CSF fistulae. Two of the CSF fistulae resolved after a lumbar drain, and the remaining three patients required revision surgery. Conclusions Middle cranial fossa tegmen defects are most commonly seen in obese females and are spontaneous in origin. The most common location was the tegmen mastoideum, and these defects were most commonly repaired through the transmastoid approach, with no greater risk of recurrence.

Rectus Capitis Lateralis Muscle: A Cadaveric Study of a Key Surgical Landmark in the Posterior and Lateral Approaches to the Jugular Foramen

The rectus capitis lateralis (RCL) is a small cervical muscle that arises from the transverse process of C1 and is intimately related to the jugular process and jugular foramen. We describe its morphology, neurovascular relationships, and its utility as one of the key surgical landmarks in approaches to the jugular foramen. Eight cadaveric heads were used to perform far-lateral and transmastoid approaches to the jugular foramen. The neurovascular relationships of the RCL were studied. The RCL originates from the transverse process of C1 and inserts onto the jugular process. It can be found in the muscular interval between the posterior belly of the digastric muscle and the superior oblique muscle with the occipital artery coursing between it and the posterior belly of the digastric muscle. It lies directly posterior to the internal jugular vein and cranial nerves (CNs) IX-XI as they exit the jugular foramen. The vertebral artery courses medially to the RCL as it exits foramen transversarium of C1. As the facial nerve exits the stylomastoid foramen, it is anterolateral to the RCL before turning to enter the parotid gland. The CN XII is seen between the RCL and the occipital condyle from a posterior view. The RCL usually is preserved unless jugular process needs to be removed to expose the jugular foramen. The RCL is an important surgical landmark for the early identification of the vertebral artery, internal jugular vein, facial nerve, and CNs IX-XII in approaches to the jugular foramen.

The Bonebridge active bone conduction system: a fast and safe technique for a middle fossa approach.

The transmastoid pre-sigmoid approach is always the preferred choice for implantation of the Bonebridge active bone conduction system in patients with a normal anatomy. When an anatomical variant exists or a previous surgery has been performed, a retrosigmoid approach or middle fossa approach can be performed. The preferred surgical technique for a middle fossa approach is described. A 14 mm drill head (Neuro Drill) was used to create the bed at the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Surgical time and complication rate were analysed. The surgical time was shorter than 30 minutes in all cases, and only 14 seconds were needed to create a 14 mm bone bed. No complications were observed during the follow-up period (6-45 months). Use of the Neuro Drill for the middle fossa approach is an easy technique. It significantly decreases the surgical time, without increasing the complication rate.

Superior Canal Dehiscence Surgery Outcomes Following Failed Round Window Surgery.

Round window (RW) occlusion or reinforcement is a less-invasive option compared with direct repair approaches to improve symptoms of superior canal dehiscence (SCD) syndrome. However, RW surgery is associated with variable outcomes. Middle fossa craniotomy or transmastoid repair is an option for SCD patients who fail RW surgery, but it is unknown whether sequential repair following RW plugging improves SCD symptoms or increases complications. The objective of this study is to evaluate outcomes of SCD repair via middle fossa craniotomy following failed RW surgery. Retrospective review. Academic tertiary care center. Adult patients with SCD syndrome who underwent failed RW surgery followed by sequential middle fossa craniotomy and plugging of the arcuate eminence defect. Patients with SCD associated with the superior petrosal sinus were excluded. None. Prospectively collected pre- and postoperative symptom questionnaires, threshold audiograms, and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP). Seven SCD patients (out of a total of 194 surgical cases at our institution) underwent sequential middle-fossa SCD repair following failed RW surgery. Resolution of symptoms and reversal of diagnostic indicators were observed in the majority of subjects following sequential repair. Two of seven patients underwent a third procedure with plugging of the superior semicircular canal by a transmastoid approach due to the presence of residual symptoms. Middle fossa craniotomy and SCD occlusion is a safe and reasonable option for patients who fail RW surgery. Our cohort did not show increased risks of auditory or vestibular dysfunction.

Glomus tympanicum type III- with delayed postoperative facial palsy: our experience

<p class="abstract">Glomus tympanicum is a very rare, benign, locally invasive and slow growing vascular tumor of the middle ear. It is a second most common tumor of the temporal bone and most common benign neoplasm of the middle ear. It originates from the glomus bodies, found over promontory. In this case report, we discuss about a 47 years old female, diagnosed with type III glomus tympanicum, and operated through a transmastoid approach for tumor resection. The patient had a delayed onset of LMN facial palsy post operatively, which recovered completely after conservative management.</p>

Temporal bone meningoencephaloceles and cerebrospinal fluid leaks: experience in a tertiary care hospital.

To recount experience with cerebrospinal fluid otorrhoea and temporal bone meningoencephalocele repair in a tertiary care hospital. A retrospective review was conducted of 16 cerebrospinal fluid otorrhoea and meningoencephalic herniation patients managed surgically from 1991 to 2016. Aetiology was: congenital (n = 3), post-traumatic (n = 2), spontaneous (n = 1) or post-mastoidectomy (n = 10). Surgical repair was undertaken by combined middle cranial fossa and transmastoid approach in 3 patients, transmastoid approach in 2, oval window plugging in 1, and subtotal petrosectomy with middle-ear obliteration in 10. All patients had successful long-term outcomes, except one, who experienced recurrence after primary stage oval window plugging, but has been recurrence-free after second-stage subtotal petrosectomy with middle-ear obliteration. Dural injury or exposure in mastoidectomy may lead to cerebrospinal fluid otorrhoea or meningoencephalic herniation years later. Congenital, spontaneous and traumatic temporal bone defects may present similarly. Middle cranial fossa dural repair, transmastoid multilayer closure and subtotal petrosectomy with middle-ear obliteration were successful procedures. Subtotal petrosectomy with middle-ear obliteration offers advantages over middle cranial fossa dural repair alone; soft tissue closure is more robust and is preferred in situations where hearing preservation is not a priority.

Clinical diagnosis and surgical management of 110 cases of facial nerve schwannomas

Objective: To elucidate the clinical behavior, causes of misdiagnosis, surgical management, and outcomes of facial nerve schwannomas (FNS). Methods: A retrospective review in Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2015 was carried out and evaluated 110 patients with FNS, including 50 males and 60 females, aged 16-67 years old. The appropriate surgical strategy was selected based on each patient's clinical manifestations, facial nerve function, and imaging characteristics. After surgery, patients received follow-up visits to assess their facial nerve functions, with the effect of treatment compared to the reality before surgery. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to distinguish between the pre- and post-operation facial nerve functions in patients who had different facial nerve functions before the operations. Results: 110 cases of FNS mainly presented with facial paralysis, hearing loss, tinnitus, otalgia, dizziness, and facial spasm. 20 of the cases were misdiagnosed as Bell's Palsy, 6 were mistaken for chronic otitis media/cholesteatoma with radical mastoidectomy, 3 were mistaken for Meniere's disease, 1 was misdiagnosed as petrous bone cholesteatoma, and 4 were mistaken for acoustic neuroma. 81.8 % (90/110) of the patients had multiple segments of the facial nerve, including the vertical segment of the facial nerve, accounting for 65.5% (72/110), followed by the labyrinthine/geniculate segment, for 61.8% (68/110), and the horizontal segment, for 55.5% (61/110). The appropriate surgical approaches were chosed based on the sizes and scopes of the tumors evaluated by imaging: transmastoid approach in 73 cases, translabyrinthe approach in 14 cases, middle cranial fossa approach in 13 cases, retrosigmoid approach in 3 cases, transmastoid-middle cranial fossa approach in 3 cases, and transmastoid-neck approach in 4 cases, with all the patients undergoing a total/subtotal resection of the tumor. Eighty-seven patients had their facial nerves reconstructed. Among them, 6 received facial nerve end-to-end anastomosis, 55 received great auricular nerve graft, and 26 were subjected to facial nerve-hypoglossal nerve anastomosis. Because of long histories, facial muscle atrophies, or other reasons, the remaining patients were not received facial nerve reconstruction. The House-Brackmann(H-B) grading scale was used to evaluate the facial nerve function pre- and post-operation. Patients with better facial nerve functions and shorter history of facial paralysis before operation would get relatively better facial nerve function. The before and after operation comparisons revealed that the recovery of the facial nerve functions in patients with H-B Ⅰ-Ⅲ was better than the improvement in patients with H-B Ⅳ-Ⅴ. The difference was statistically significant (Kruskal-Wallis H test, H=8.508, P<0.05). Conclusions: The diagnosis of patients with unknown facial paralysis, hearing loss, and tinnitus should take into account the possibility of FNS. CT and other imaging examinations of the temporal bone can avoid misdiagnosis and determine the tumor size and extent of lesions, as well as provide the basis for the choice of the surgical approach. After tumors have been completely resected, facial nerve reconstruction can be performed simultaneously, according to the defect of the nerve.

The Use of the Exoscope in Lateral Skull Base Surgery: Advantages and Limitations.

We describe our experience using the extracorporeal video microscope, the "exoscope" for various applications within the field of lateral skull base surgery. A retrospective case series was performed investigating patient demographics, indications for surgery, procedure type, operative time, approach to the skull base, complications, adequacy of visualization, and surgeon comfortability. Six cases were performed with a three dimensional surgical exoscope, obviating the use of a traditional binocular microscope. Academic, tertiary referral center. Type of surgical approach, operative time, patient demographics, surgical complications, and surgeon comfortability. The following procedures were performed; four vestibular schwannoma resections via suboccipital craniotomy and two combined transmastoid and transtemporal approaches for temporal lobe encephalocele repairs. The average operative time was 227 and 577 minutes for temporal lobe encephalocele repairs and vestibular schwannoma cases, respectively. No intraoperative complications were encountered during these cases. None of the procedures required abandonment of the exoscope in favor of the microscope during the procedure. Advantages include high-resolution three-dimensional visualization, increased degrees of freedom for exoscope adjustment, and reduced surgeon fatigue in a fixed, unnatural posture. Limitations include decreased depth perception and increased operative time. The exoscope system is a safe and effective alternative or adjunct to the existing binocular operating microscope for lateral skull based procedures. The exoscope provides the surgeon with a comfortable, high-resolution visualization without compromising surgical exposure and patient safety. 4.

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of facial nerve swelling in patients with severe Ramsay Hunt syndrome

ObjectiveIn Ramsay Hunt syndrome, contrast enhancement of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging seen in the affected facial nerve in the majority of cases, but its clinical significance has not been well investigated to date. The aim of this study was to elucidate the clinical significance of this imaging sign by quantitively investigating the correlation between the signal increase and swelling of the facial nerve. We also investigated the temporal change in this sign and its correlation with recovery. MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated swelling of the facial nerve in 16 patients with severe Ramsay Hunt syndrome who underwent both contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and facial nerve decompression surgery via a transmastoid approach alone or in combination with a middle cranial approach. All the patients had a Yanagihara score of ≤8 points and facial nerve degeneration of ≥90% confirmed by either a nerve excitability test or electroneurography. Swelling of the facial nerve was evaluated intraoperatively using a 4-point grading system. ResultsA significant correlation was observed between contrast enhancement on T1-weighted images and facial nerve swelling in the labyrinthine segment, geniculate ganglion, and pyramidal segment (P = 0.030, P = 0.018, and P = 0.037, respectively). Furthermore, the contrast enhancement increased significantly as more time elapsed after the onset of facial palsy (mean ± standard error, 14.7 ± 2.3 days, range, 5–42 days) in the geniculate ganglion and pyramidal segment (correlation coefficient, 0.546 and 0.689, P = 0.022 and P = 0.002, respectively). Patients with good recovery (Yanagihara score of ≥36) showed significantly lower contrast enhancement in the tympanic and mastoid segments (P = 0.021 and 0.020, respectively) than those who with poor recovery. ConclusionIn particular segments of the facial nerve, contrast enhancement on T1-weighted image correlated with facial nerve swelling and recovery. These observations underscore the clinical significance of contrast enhancement on T1-weighted images in patients with Ramsay Hunt syndrome.

The middle fossa approach with self-drilling screws: a novel technique for BONEBRIDGE implantation

BackgroundBone conduction implants can be used in the treatment of conductive or mixed hearing loss. The BONEBRIDGE bone conduction implant (BB-BCI) is an active, transcutaneous device. BB-BCI implantation can be performed through either the transmastoid or retrosigmoid approach with their respective limitations. Here, we present a third, novel approach for BB-BCI implantation.ObjectiveDescribe the detailed surgical technique of BB-BCI implantation through a middle fossa approach with self-drilling screws and present preliminary audiometric outcome data following this approach.MethodsA single institution, retrospective chart review was completed for patients implanted with the BB-BCI via the middle fossa approach. Preoperative planning and modelling were performed using 3D Slicer. Audiological testing was performed pre- and post-operatively following standard audiometric techniques.ResultsForty patients underwent BB-BCI implantation using the middle fossa approach. Modelling techniques allowed for implantation through the use of external landmarks, obviating the need for intraoperative image guidance. The surgical technique was refined over time through experience and adaptation. Mean follow-up was 29 months (range 3–71 months) with no surgical complications, favourable cosmesis, and expected audiometric outcomes. An average functional gain of 39.6 dB (± 14.7 SD) was found.ConclusionThe middle fossa technique with self-drilling screws is a safe and effective option for BONEBRIDGE implantation. As a reference for other groups considering this approach, an annotated video has been included as a supplement to the study.

Perilymphatic Fistulas and Superior Semi-Circular Canal Dehiscence Syndrome.

Perilymphatic fistulas (PLF) and superior semi-circular canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS) are 2 conditions that can present with sound and/or pressure-induced vertigo. PLF should be suspected in cases of trauma or surgery, while a spontaneous PLF is a diagnosis of exclusion. Research is ongoing to identify an ideal biomarker for perilymph. The diagnosis of SCDS continues to evolve with further research into vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials, electrocochleography, and higher resolution CT imaging. Treatment advances include the transmastoid approach, smaller middle fossa craniotomies, and usage of endoscopes. Temporal bone studies have furthered the understanding of pressure dynamics within the ear and how this relates to recommendations for repair versus alternative treatments such as round window plugging.

A Cohort Study of Hearing Outcomes Between Middle Fossa Craniotomy and Transmastoid Approach for Surgical Repair of Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence Syndrome.

To compare postoperative hearing outcomes between transmastoid and middle fossa craniotomy (MFC) approaches for surgical repair of superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS) in a tertiary referral center. Historical cohort study. Tertiary referral center. Twelve consecutive SCDS cases who underwent transmastoid plugging of the superior canal; "controls" were 18 audiogram-matched patients who underwent MFC plugging and resurfacing. Differences between preoperative, 7-day postoperative, and long-term (>6 wk) postoperative air and bone conduction, speech discrimination scores (SDS), and pure-tone averages (PTA) in TM cases versus MFC controls. MFC controls were selected by matching preoperative bone conduction (BC) pure-tone thresholds from the TM cases within 10-dBs NHL in ≥80% of recorded frequencies. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were performed to compare primary outcomes between matches, with a Bonferroni corrected p value of 0.004 (n = 13 variables measured at each time period). No statistically significant differences were found in long-term postoperative air conduction and BC thresholds at any frequency both during the immediate postoperative period as well as at long-term follow-up (p > 0.004). Similarly, there were no differences in long-term SDS or PTA (p > 0.004). In this pilot study, there were no long-term significant differences in hearing outcomes between the two repair techniques for SCDS. We recommend continuing with the established practice for recommending surgical repair based on individual patient characteristics and preferences in managing both vestibular and auditory function.

Anatomical Variations of the Intrapetrous Portion of the Facial Nerve.

The intrapetrous facial nerve has the second longest intraosseous course of all cranial nerves, after the mandibular nerve. But it is by far the most complex considering the anatomical structures closely related to it. The auditory and vestibular portions of the inner ear, the dura of the middle fossa and posterior fossa, the sigmoid sinus and jugular bulb, and the internal carotid artery are close enough to merit attention. This article includes an anatomical study on 100 temporal bones with anatomical references as seen from the middle fossa and from the transmastoid approaches that may help identifying the facial nerve and protecting surrounding structures. Anatomical variability was present and noteworthy when considering the venous drainage system through the temporal bone and the mastoid pneumatization. The distance from the geniculate ganglion to the hiatus falopii offered the highest variability with a range of 0 to 7.75 mm and a mean of 3.30 mm. The geniculate ganglion was dehiscent in 20.8% of the specimens and the superior semicircular canal was spontaneously blue-lined in 27% of the cases. Through the transmastoid approach, the highest variability was found regarding the distance between the vertical portion of the facial nerve and the jugular bulb (range from 1.5 to 10.0 mm), the sigmoid sinus (range from 0 to 13.25 mm) and the internal carotid artery (range from 6.0 to 15.0 mm). This study highlights the importance of the relative variability of the facial nerve to other surrounding structures within the petrous portion of the temporal bone. Anat Rec, 302:588-598, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Pulsatile Tinnitus Due to a Sigmoid Sinus Diverticulum and/or Dehiscence

In 2009, a 52-year-old man presented with a two year history of intermittent right-sided pulse-synchronous tinnitus. He noted that the tinnitus worsened when his blood pressure was elevated. Otologic exam was unremarkable, with no obvious middle ear fluid or mass. There was no neck bruit, and the tinnitus diminished on manual compression of the ipsilateral internal jugular vein. In keeping with the recommendations for clinical imaging at that time, a non-contrast CT of the temporal bone was performed. This was to evaluate for conditions such as : a middle ear glomus, an aberrant internal carotid artery, a jugular bulb variant (e.g. a high-riding jugular bulb), otosclerosis, superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome, a persistent stapedial artery, or a hemangioma of the temporal bone.1 No evidence of these conditions was found. An MRI of the brain, with MR angiography and venography of the intracranial vasculature also performed to evaluate for conditions such as: idiopathic intracranial hypertension, a dural arteriovenous fistula, an arteriovenous malformation, vascular loop syndrome, and dural sinus stenosis or thrombosis.2 All of these conditions were excluded. As no definite pathology was identified, no firm treatment reommendations were initiallly made.&#x0D; In 2011, Eisenman reported on a series of 13 patients with pulsatile tinnitus due to a sigmoid sinus diverticulum and/or dehiscence who were successfully treated surgically via an extraluminal transmastoid approach.3 This was the first relatively large series published in the otologic literature. This publication likewise reported on the subtle radiologic signs that signify the presence of a sigmoid sinus diverticulum and/or dehiscence, such as an irregularity of the normal semicircular contour of the bony sinus wall, focal thinning of the calvarial cortex overlying the adjacent sinus wall, absence of the normal thin layer of cortical bone overlying the sinus, and the "air-on-sinus" sign, where mastoid air cells directly contact the sinus wall, without overlying bone.3&#x0D; In light of this new information, the patient's imaging studies were re-evaluated, and evidence of a right-sided sigmoid sinus diverticulum and/or dehiscence was identified. The images below show the findings on an axial slice of the patient's temporal bone CT study.&#x0D; How significant is this condition ? Sigmoid sinus diverticulum and/or dehiscence is being increasingly recognized as a common cause of pulsatile tinnitus. In fact, a recent study by Schoeff et al. found its prevalence to be 23% in patients with pulsatile tinnitus.4 As such, the identification of this condition is highly relevant, particularly because effective surgical management is available for its alleviation.

Accuracy Assessment of Different Registration and Imaging Methods on Image-Guided Surgery of Lateral Skull Base

Background: The use of Image Guided Surgery (IGS) systems at lateral skull base surgery is controversial due to the limitation of the accuracy of the systems. The intraoperative accuracy of the IGS is dependent on deferent parameters, mainly the precision of the system, resolution of utilized imaging, rigidity of the reference frame/adaptor, registration method, calibration of the utilized instruments, and intraoperative movement of the reference markers. Objectives: In this study the researchers examined the target registration error of an electromagnetic IGS system on different important structures of lateral skull base through different approaches. This study compared two registration methods and two scanning systems. Methods: In 10 formaldehyde-fixed human cadaver heads, 69 target points were marked with titanium screws for determining target registration errors. The target points were facial nerve, lateral semi-circular canal, geniculate ganglion, superior semi-circular canal, internal auditory canal, and the foramen rotundum. Seven heads were scanned using a Cone Beam CT Scanner (CBCT) and three heads were scanned using a CT scanner. Three screws were implanted around the mastoidectomy cavity as Fiducial Markers (FM). Two different registration methods were applied, including point based registration using the FM versus surface registration. All samples were dissected via the middle cranial fossa approach, retrosigmoid approach, and transmastoid approaches. Results: The overall accuracy of the IGS-system was 1.2 mm and plusmn; 0.15 mm. Optimum accuracy was reached with CBCT-scan and the FM registration marker. Navigation using CT scans with the surface registration method, using CT scans with FM registration method, and using CBCT-scans with surface registration method had lower accuracy, respectively, yet their difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.5). The best accuracy was noted on the facial nerve in the mastoid approach (mean 0.8 mm). Conclusions: The feasibility of the use of an electromagnetic IGS system in lateral skull base, surgery using Cone Beam CT as well as conventional CT scanner with fiducial marker registration as well as surface registration were evaluated. The accuracy was best at the lateral region of the temporal bone and decreased on further medial targets, such as lower cranial nerve and trigeminal ganglion.

Cochlear implantation in children with CHARGE syndrome: a report of eight cases.

To report neuroradiologic findings, surgical strategies and clinical and audiological results in a series of children with CHARGE syndrome (CS) who had been evaluated for cochlear implantation (CI). Retrospective case series. Tertiary referral university hospital. Eight profoundly deafened children with CS were included. Routine audiometric measurements, speech perception categories and speech intelligibility ratings were performed pre- and post-operatively. Neuroradiological and intraoperative findings, surgical planning, and post-operative complications were analyzed. Six children were profoundly deaf from birth and 2 had progressive hearing loss to profound levels. Cochlear nerve deficiency (CND) was noted in 5 out of the 6 patients with congenital sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Seven children underwent CI. Surgery was performed using standard transmastoid facial recess approach in 3 ears, subtotal petrosectomy in 3, and transmastoid single-slit labyrinthotomy in one. Temporary facial palsy occurred in one patient. In the group of patients with congenital SNHL, 2 children benefitted from CI and developed spoken language; the remaining 3 children obtained improved access to environmental sounds and used signs and gestures as their main mode of communication. The two patients with progressive SNHL had preoperative verbal language and continued to use verbal language after CI. The constant presence of temporal bone anomalies in children with CS requires surgical expertise in performing non-standard approaches for safe and effective CI. Patients with progressive SNHL and normal cochlear nerves had satisfactory results with CI. Limited benefits have been observed in presence of CND.

Clinical Implications of the Association Between Temporal Bone Tegmen Defects and Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence.

To discuss the clinical implications of the association between temporal bone tegmen dehiscence (TD) necessitating surgical correction and the adjacent dehiscent superior semicircular canal (SSCD). Retrospective. Tertiary referral center. Sixteen patients with idiopathic TD, with or without SSCD, requiring surgical correction. Corrective surgery for TD. High-resolution temporal bone-targeted computed tomography. The impact of the minimal distance between TD and SSCD or the arcuate eminence on the choice of surgical approach to TD. The patients' median age was 58 years and 5 were males. The median body mass index was 31.8 kg/m. The average distance from the TD and the SSC was 4.9 mm (range 2.1-14.2 mm). Three of the 14 patients who were operated via a temporal craniotomy to fix a cerebrospinal fluid-leaking TD required plugging of an asymptomatic SSCD due to its close proximity (3-5 mm) to the defect, and two of them had relatively protracted vestibular recuperation. Two patients were operated via a transmastoid approach for sealing a cerebrospinal fluid-leaking TD coexisting with a bilateral asymptomatic SSCD. No patient had a hearing loss. The close proximity of a TD and an SSCD might not allow selective exposure. As a result, asymptomatic SSCD may become symptomatic during TD correction via the temporal craniotomy approach. The need to plug an asymptomatic SSCD that is proximal to a TD should be factored in planning for surgery and rehabilitation. The choice of surgical approach (middle fossa vs. transmastoid) could be influenced by this relationship, especially in cases of bilateral lesions.

Post Temporal Bone Fracture Facial Paralysis: Strategies in Decision Making and Analysis of Efficacy of Surgical Treatment

Management of traumatic facial nerve injuries after temporal bone fractures is both challenging and controversial. The dilemma is whether to operate or not and if operating, when to operate and how much of the nerve to decompress. The aim of this study is to review our criteria for decision making in management of patients with temporal bone fracture induced facial nerve palsy, and analyze outcome of patients selected for surgical management. Review of 28 cases of temporal bone fracture between 2012 and 2016 was carried out. Patient assessment included clinical, audiological, computer tomography scans and electromyography (EMG) examinations. All 28 cases were initially started on conservative medical treatment. Based on criteria of complete clinical paralysis at onset, no improvement with conservative treatment and fibrillation potential in EMG, 10 cases underwent surgical decompression through the transmastoid approach. Among the 10 surgically-treated patients, lesions were predominantly found in geniculate ganglion area. Analysis of results after 12months revealed 70% of cases who underwent surgery had House Brackmann (HB) Grade I-II recovery. Good recovery was achieved in all 18 medically treated patients (HB Grade I-II). Candidate selection based on accurate clinical judgment and judicious use of electrodiagnostic tests plays a vital role in outcomes in the treatment of post traumatic facial injury. Early surgical intervention gave better results in our study.

Outcomes of Facial Nerve in Lateral and Inferior Mastoid Approaches for Jugular Foramen and Petrous Apex Lesions

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the facial nerve in inferior and lateral (transmastoid) approaches to the jugular foramen and/or petrous apex. Design Retrospective study of 11 consecutive patients operated for lesions in the jugular foramen/petrous apex via an inferior or lateral transpetrosal approach. Setting Tertiary care superspecialty referral center. Participants Eleven consecutive patients of jugular foramen/petrous apex lesions operated over a period of 18 months. Main Outcomes Measures Extent of tumor resection, surgical technique used, and recovery of facial nerve function postoperatively. Conclusion Approach to these lesions needs to be tailored to the extent of disease, possible histology and relation to the facial nerve. Meticulous surgery and adequate postoperative care permit a satisfactory recovery of facial nerve function following rerouting procedures.