Labyrinthectomy

Labyrinthectomy is a surgical procedure performed on the inner ear to treat severe and debilitating vertigo. The procedure involves the removal of the labyrinth, a part of the inner ear that is responsible for balance and spatial orientation.

Indications

Labyrinthectomy is typically indicated for patients with severe, disabling vertigo that has not responded to other treatments. The most common condition treated with labyrinthectomy is Meniere's disease, a disorder of the inner ear that causes severe dizziness (vertigo), ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness or congestion in the ear.

Procedure

During a labyrinthectomy, the surgeon accesses the inner ear through the mastoid bone located behind the ear. The labyrinth is then removed, which eliminates the source of the vertigo. However, because the labyrinth is also responsible for hearing, a labyrinthectomy often results in total hearing loss in the affected ear.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with a labyrinthectomy. These include infection, bleeding, and reactions to anesthesia. The most significant risk is the potential for total hearing loss in the operated ear. Other potential complications include facial nerve damage, cerebrospinal fluid leak, and meningitis.

Postoperative Care and Rehabilitation

Following a labyrinthectomy, patients will need to undergo vestibular rehabilitation therapy to help the brain adapt to the loss of balance signals from the removed labyrinth. This therapy involves exercises designed to improve balance and reduce dizziness.

See Also

• Meniere's disease
• Vertigo
• Inner ear
• Vestibular rehabilitation