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Updated: Jun 28, 2025
Endaural Endoscopic Atticoantrotomy Retrograde Mastoidectomy using a Constant Suction Bone-drilling Technique
Published on: May 23, 2021
Effect of drilling on otolithic organ functions in mastoidectomy
Ahmet Taha Karakuzu1, Halil Erdem Özel1, Hümeyra Temir2
1Department of Otolaryngology, Kocaeli City Hospital, Kocaeli, Turkey.
Objective:
This study aimed to assess the effect of drilling during mastoidectomy on otolithic organ functions and development of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo using objective vestibular tests.
Materials And Methods:
The study included 45 adult patients diagnosed with chronic otitis media who underwent mastoidectomy with drilling. Pre-operative and post-operative assessments included tests for subjective visual vertical deviation and videonystagmography.
Results:
Subjective visual vertical deviation was significantly higher in post-operative periods. On the third day, the subjective visual vertical deviation was at its maximum (1.4 degrees). Post-operatively, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo was detected in 14 patients (31.1 per cent). The most common type was ipsilateral lateral canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (57.1 per cent).
Conclusion:
The effect of drilling on otolithic organ functions in mastoidectomy seems to be temporary and subclinical; however, it potentially could be a risk factor for the development of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
