Transcanal endoscopic infracochlear vestibular neurectomy: A pilot cadaveric study

Effective operative approaches for the treatment of refractory vertigo in Meniere's disease are invasive. Vestibular neurectomy can preserve hearing and has been shown to be effective; however, current approaches require an extensive craniotomy. Transcanal endoscopic approaches to the internal auditory canal (IAC) with cochlear preservation have been recently described and may offer a minimally invasive approach to selectively sectioning the distal vestibular nerves while preserving residual hearing.

Three cadaveric human heads were imaged using high resolution computed tomography (CT). Anatomic analysis of preoperative CT scans showed adequate diameters (>3 mm) of the infracochlear surgical corridor for access to the IAC. A transcanal endoscopic approach was attempted to section the vestibular nerve. Post-operative CT scans were assessed to define the operative tract, determine cochlear preservation and assess cochlear and facial nerve preservation.

Transcanal endoscopic approach was successfully performed (n = 3) using 3 mm-diameter, 14 cm-length 0°, 30°, and 45° endoscopes and microsurgical drills. In all cases the tympanomeatal flap and ossicular chain remained intact. Internal auditory canalotomy was performed using angled instruments and confirmed in real time via lateral skull base navigation. The vestibular nerves were readily identified and sectioned with preservation of the facial and cochlear nerves. Post-procedure CT showed no violation of the cochlea.

A transcanal, infracochlear approach to the IAC may permit a minimally invasive approach to distal vestibular neurectomy in cadavers with appropriate anatomy.