Cochlear obliteration after translabyrinthine vestibular schwannoma surgery

The objective of the study was to determine the temporal occurrence of cochlear obliteration following translabyrinthine vestibular schwannoma resection. A retrospective chart review, cross-sectional study, and sequential analysis of the time series were performed. The retrospective study included patients undergoing translabyrinthine resection for stage T1-T2 vestibular schwannoma from 2007 to 2010 without prior therapy and postoperative follow-up including MRI of the brain and the cerebellopontine angle. Already 3 months after surgery a radiographic labyrinthine change was observed in 66.7 %, a partial obstruction in 50 %, and an obstruction limited to the saccule in 16.7 %. Only 33.3 % of the patients showed an unchanged inner ear. In consideration of early cochlear obstruction after translabyrinthine vestibular schwannoma resection, temporary follow-up is necessary. Since the indications for cochlear implantation (CI) have been extended, especially concerning patients with single-side deafness, a simultaneous or early second-stage CI after tumour removal should be discussed.