Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
Harvest of Vestibular End-Organs under Physiologic Conditions during Labyrinthectomy
Published on: November 29, 2024
Transmastoid labyrinthectomy for disabling vertigo in a patient with internal auditory canal pathology
Katherine D Heidenreich1, Garrett R Griffin, Mark B Lorenz
1Division of Otology and Neurotology, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-5312, USA. kheidenr@med.umich.edu
Objective:
Document the use of transmastoid labyrinthectomy to treat disabling vertigo secondary to a lesion in the internal auditory canal.
Patient:
A 69-year-old man with nonserviceable left hearing experienced disabling attacks of vertigo refractory to medical measures. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a small left intracanalicular lesion with an irregular configuration and modest enhancement, suggesting either an unusual acoustic neuroma or a cavernoma. Tumor size remained stable on serial imaging, and the patient declined microsurgical resection, stereotactic radiation, or intratympanic gentamicin therapy.
Intervention:
Transmastoid labyrinthectomy followed by a customized vestibular rehabilitation program.
Main Outcome Measure:
Comparison of patient symptoms preoperatively and at 5 and 8 months after surgery.
Results:
Complete relief of vertigo was achieved, but the patient has moderate imbalance postoperatively.
Conclusion:
Transmastoid labyrinthectomy alone may be a viable treatment option in patients with an internal auditory canal neoplasm causing disabling attacks of vertigo.
