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Surgical Treatment of an Endolymphatic Sac Tumor
Published on: May 26, 2023
Delayed facial nerve palsy after endolymphatic sac surgery
Helen X Xu1, Armin Farajzadeh Deroee, Shruti Joglekar
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Loma Linda University Medical Center, 11234 Anderson St., #2586A, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA. xuh0628@hotmail.com
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|August 20, 2011
Summary
Delayed facial nerve palsy (DFNP) after endolymphatic sac surgery is rare (0.64%). Most patients experienced incomplete paralysis but fully recovered with steroid treatment, with abnormal mastoid anatomy potentially a contributing factor.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Neurology
Background:
- Delayed facial nerve palsy (DFNP) following endolymphatic sac surgery is an uncommon complication.
- Limited data exists on its incidence, risk factors, and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of DFNP after endolymphatic sac surgery.
- To identify potential predisposing factors, treatment strategies, and prognosis for DFNP.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 779 patients undergoing endolymphatic sac surgery for Ménière disease (1997-2007).
- Analysis of patient records for DFNP onset, severity, anatomical variations, treatment, and recovery.
Main Results:
- Five cases (0.64%) of postoperative DFNP were identified, with onset 7-20 days post-surgery.
- All 5 patients had incomplete paralysis and abnormal mastoid anatomy (displaced sigmoid sinus) in 4 cases.
- Complete recovery of facial nerve function within 8 weeks was observed in all patients treated with steroids (with or without antivirals).
Conclusions:
- DFNP following endolymphatic sac surgery is rare but associated with a good prognosis.
- Potential etiologies include physical nerve injury or viral reactivation, possibly influenced by anatomical variations like sigmoid sinus displacement.
