title: Comparison of postoperative results in suspected and confirmed cases of perilymphatic fistula.
abstract: Perilymphatic fistula is suspected on clinical symptoms, but must be confirmed by surgery. Exploratory tympanotomy was realized in 38 patients, presenting one or several symptoms of perilymphatic fistula. A leak was observed in 23 patients (61%). When a leak was not observed, the oval and round windows were filled with connective tissue. Preoperative and post-operative symptoms were compared in patients with or without leak: there was not significant difference between the two groups of patients. 63% of patients presenting fluctuant or sensorineural hearing loss improved or stabilized hearing after surgery. One patient, presenting a post-traumatic total deafness due to round window rupture, was immediately operated on, and recovered normal hearing. 84% of patients with vertigo or dizziness improved after surgery. The authors conclude that exploratory tympanotomy should be widely proposed when a perilymphatic fistula is suspected. Oval and round window should be grafted with connective tissue even if a leak is not observed.
authors.affiliation: C.H.U. Purpan, Clinique ORL, Toulouse, France.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Deguine
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Latil d'Albertas
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Fraysse
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003052:Cochlear Aqueduct; D005260:Female; D005402:Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007759:Labyrinth Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period