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Delayed-onset facial paralysis after vestibular neurectomy
Jeffrey T Vrabec1, Newton J Coker, Herman A Jenkins
1Bobby R. Alford Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Communicative Services, Baylor College of Medicine, 6550 Fannin, Suite 1727, Houston, TX 77030, USA. jvrabec@bcm.tmc.edu
The Laryngoscope
|July 3, 2003
Summary
Delayed-onset facial paralysis is a complication of vestibular neurectomy. The middle fossa and translabyrinthine surgical approaches have a higher incidence of this complication compared to the retrosigmoid approach.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Otolaryngology
- Neurology
Background:
- Delayed-onset facial paralysis is a known complication of otological procedures.
- The incidence and risk factors for this complication after vestibular neurectomy require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of delayed-onset facial paralysis following vestibular neurectomy.
- To analyze the relationship between surgical approach and the occurrence of delayed-onset facial paralysis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case review of 70 patients who underwent vestibular neurectomy for disabling vertigo.
- Analysis of delayed-onset facial paralysis incidence based on surgical approach: middle fossa, translabyrinthine, and retrosigmoid.
Main Results:
- Delayed-onset facial paralysis occurred in 18% of middle fossa approaches and 11% of translabyrinthine approaches.
- No cases of delayed-onset facial paralysis were observed after the retrosigmoid approach (0%).
Conclusions:
- The surgical approach significantly influences the incidence of delayed-onset facial paralysis after vestibular neurectomy.
- Preventive measures, such as prophylactic antiviral medication or labyrinthine segment decompression, may be considered for middle fossa and translabyrinthine operations.
