[The translabyrinthine approach to neurinomas of the 8th nerve]

Experience in the use of the translabyrinthine approach in removal of neurinomas of the eighth nerve in 14 patients is analysed. It was established that the indications for translabyrinthine removal of this type of new growths should be determined from comparison of the size of the tumor and the size of the operative field with consideration for the inevitable destruction of the hearing apparatus in accomplishing the approach. The translabyrinthine approach was found to be most adequate for small tumors (measuring less than 25 mm in size). The stage-by-stage accomplishment of the translabyrinthine developed by the authors, removal of the tumor, closure of the postoperative wound, and adherence to the suggested methodical instructions ensure atraumatic performance of the operation and prevent operative and postoperative complications. In the presence of strictly determined indications, translabyrinthine removal of neurinomas of the eighth nerve is an operation causing little injury and producing favourable results.