[Rare complications following stapes operation and their surgical treatment]

After stapedectomy otoliths were displaced from the endolymphatic space to the cupula of the posterior semicircular canal and caused a paroxysmal benign positional nystagmus which lasted 18 months. The positional nystagmus demonstrated a rotatory component during the Hallpike manoeuvre. The paroxysmal benign nystagmus disappeared after transtympanic nerve neurectomy of the inferior branch of the vestibular nerve (Gacek 1974). This procedure is only recommended for vertigo lasting longer than 1 year. The current findings support the theory that cupulolithiasis is the cause of paroxysmal benign positional nystagmus which can occur after stapedectomy. The rotatory nystagmus is generated in the posterior semicircular canal.