What is Labyrinthectomy?

Labyrinthectomy is an effective surgical procedure performed to manage poorly compensated unilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction in the presence of a non-serviceable hearing ear.

Vertigo relief is achieved at the cost of the residual hearing in the ear to be operated; hence patients with non serviceable hearing are reserved for this procedure.

The common principle of labyrinthectomy is to open all the semi-circular canals of the ear symmetrically. The five individual groups of neurosensory epithelia under the direct visualization are excised after exposing all ampullae and vestibules.

This is performed from the diseased ear to eliminate abnormal vestibular input.

Who is a Candidate for a Labyrinthectomy?

Patients diagnosed with Meniere's disease, treated with more conservative treatments, are potential candidates for a labyrinthectomy. It would help if you also fit the following criteria to be considered for this procedure:

• If you have conservative treatment, which got failed for three to six months.
• If you have severe hearing loss in the affected ear.
• If you are experiencing severe disability related to the disease
• Labyrinthectomy is performed only in cases with unilateral vestibular dysfunction with ipsilateral severe hearing loss.

Types of Labyrinthectomy:

There are two main techniques for vestibular end-organ ablation, which include:

• Transcanal Labyrinthectomy
• Transmastoid Labyrinthectomy

Advantages of Transcanal Labyrinthectomy include:

• Less invasive than transmastoid labyrinthectomy.
• The approach is direct to the vestibular organ.
• Operation time is shorter.

Before labyrinthectomy, rehabilitative vestibular therapy should be attempted.

Labyrinthectomy is contraindicated in cases where the affected ear is the only hearing ear.

Chemical labyrinthectomy or vestibular nerve sectioning is performed in patients having a serviceable hearing.

What can you Expect after Labarynthectomy?

After a labyrinthectomy, you will be moved to the recovery room and monitored in the hospital for a few days. Your doctor may prescribe medications for nausea, vomiting, and to prevent infection. You will be discharged once our doctor ensures you have regained enough balance to take care of yourself. Some patients may need a walker to walk.

You may need vestibular or balance therapy with a physical therapist for the effective recovery of your balance.

We at Dr. Neetu Modgil ENT are here to provide you with the best and most advanced labyrinthectomy process.