Labyrinthectomy

                This is an operation to surgically remove a portion of the inner ear.  Nearly all patients will be vertigo-free after a labyrinthectomy.  Total and complete hearing loss will result in the operated ear.  There is no effect on the hearing in the unoperated ear.  This is an operation that is recommended to patients that recieve no useful hearing in the dysfunctional ear.  Just as in vestibular neurectomy, after the operation dysequilibrium lasts until the brain learns to compensate and adapt to the lack of input from one inner ear.

                The operation requires general anesthesia, 3-4 day hospitalization, and an incision behind the ear.  Using a high powered drill, the mastoid bone is entered and the semicircular canals are removed.

                Labyrinthectomy has the advantage of a high cure rate (greater than 95%) and is useful in patients whose diseased-side hearing has been destroyed.  Labyrinthectomy involves ablation of the diseased inner ear organs but does not require entry into the cranial cavity.  Since craniotomy is not required, there is less danger of a CSF leak and meningitis. Therefore, it is less complex than vestibular nerve sectioning.