Delayed-onset facial paralysis after vestibular neurectomy.
OBJECTIVE
Delayed-onset facial paralysis (beginning more than 3 d after the procedure) has been described as a complication of many different types of otological procedures. The incidence of this problem in vestibular neurectomy and the relationship to surgical approach are detailed in the study.


METHODS
Retrospective case review.


METHODS
In the setting of a tertiary referral center, vestibular neurectomy was performed in 70 individuals with disabling vertigo unresponsive to medical therapy who elected vestibular neurectomy. The main outcome measure was incidence of delayed onset facial paralysis.


RESULTS
Delayed-onset facial paralysis was significantly more common after the middle fossa (18%) and translabyrinthine (11%) approaches compared with the retrosigmoid approach (0%).


CONCLUSIONS
Surgical approach influences the incidence of delayed-onset facial paralysis. Measures to prevent this complication such as prophylactic antiviral medication or labyrinthine segment decompression may be considered in middle fossa and translabyrinthine operations.
Vrabec
Jeffrey T
JT
Bobby R. Alford Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Communicative Services, Baylor College of Medicine, 6550 Fannin, Suite 1727, Houston, TX 77030, USA. jvrabec@bcm.tmc.edu
Coker
Newton J
NJ
Jenkins
Herman A
HA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014725:Vestibular Nerve / Q000601:surgery*