Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To identify clinical factors associated with prolonged recovery after superior canal dehiscence surgery.
STUDY DESIGN
Retrospective review.
SETTING
Tertiary care academic medical center.
PATIENTS
Thirty-three patients that underwent surgery for SCDS were identified from a database of 140 patients diagnosed with SCD (2000-2010) at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (U.S.A.). The diagnosis of SCDS was based on clinical signs and symptoms, audiometric and vestibular testing and high-resolution temporal bone computed tomography.
INTERVENTION
For the primary repair, the superior canal was plugged in 31 patients through a middle fossa craniotomy approach and in 1 patient through a transmastoid approach. In 1 patient, the SCD was resurfaced through a middle fossa craniotomy approach.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Postoperative clinical signs and symptoms and factors that may influence duration of disequilibrium after surgery.
RESULTS
Thirty-three patients (15-71 yr; mean, 43 yr) underwent surgery for SCDS on 35 ears (2 bilateral). Mean follow-up was 28.7 months (range, 3 mo to 10 yr); 33 of 33 (100%) patients experienced initial improvement of the chief complaint. Three patients required revision surgery, improving symptoms in 2 patients. Six patients had dizziness lasting more than 4 months postoperatively, and all had bilateral SCD, migraines, and a dehiscence of 3 mm or greater.
CONCLUSION
Surgical plugging of SCD is an effective management option to provide long-term improvement of the chief complaint in SCDS patients. Patients with bilateral SCD, a history of migraines, and larger defects may be at risk of prolonged recovery and should be appropriately counseled.
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