Delayed Otologic Complications Following the Translabyrinthine Approach for Acoustic Neuroma Resection

Introduction: The translabyrinthine approach has long been a safe and effective technique used in the extirpation of tumors of the internal auditory canal and cerebellopontine angle. Most otologic complications, such as CSF leak, dizziness, or wound issues occur in the early postoperative period. This presentation will focus on delayed otologic complications following translabyrinthine surgery.

Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective medical records review of all patients treated at our tertiary care academic medical center for a variety of delayed otologic complications following a TLC approach for acoustic neuroma resection. The review period was between July 1988 and July 2018.

Results: A delayed complication was defined as any untoward otologic event occurring 1 year or more after the initial translabyrinthine approach. Twenty-seven delayed complications were identified with a range of time to presentation from 1 year to 21 years. These complications included CSF leak (10), ear canal erosion (5), bone cement granulation fistula (4), tympanic membrane perforation (3), cholesteatoma (3), and fat graft liquefaction necrosis (2).

Conclusion: Tumor recurrence or progressive growth is the main reason for following surgically managed acoustic neuroma patients. We presented six types of otologic complications which can occur several years following the translabyrinthine approach for acoustic neuroma resection.