Neurotologic Complications Following Microvascular Decompression: A Retrospective Study.

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Otolaryngology
• Neurotology

Background:

• Posterior fossa microvascular decompression (MVD) is a surgical procedure to treat neurological conditions caused by vascular compression of cranial nerves.
• Neurotologic complications can arise following MVD, impacting hearing, balance, and facial nerve function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of neurotologic complications after posterior fossa microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery.
• To inform otolaryngologists and neurosurgeons about the risks associated with MVD.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 192 MVD surgeries performed by a single surgeon between March 1996 and May 2016.
• Analysis of neurotologic complications including postoperative hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and hemifacial paresis.
• Inclusion criteria applied to 183 patients who underwent MVD for conditions like trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm.

Main Results:

• Overall, 17.7% of patients experienced at least one neurotologic complication.
• Specific complication rates included permanent hearing loss (4.17%), transient hearing loss (6.77%), tinnitus (5.21%), vertigo (5.73%), and hemifacial paresis (0.52%).
• No significant difference in complication rates was observed based on the surgical indication.

Conclusions:

• Neurotologic complications represent a significant risk associated with MVD surgery.
• Perioperative audiometry is recommended for all patients undergoing MVD.
• Routine involvement of otolaryngologists in the perioperative care of MVD patients is advised.