title: Transmastoid partial labyrinthectomy for brainstem vascular lesions: clinical outcomes and assessment of postoperative cochleovestibular function.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To discuss the transmastoid partial labyrinthectomy approach for brainstem vascular lesions, with respect to hearing and balance preservation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  Tertiary referral center (University Health Network, Toronto).
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine consecutive surgical patients between 1999 and 2004.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical, audiometric, and electrophysiological vestibular data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nine transmastoid partial labyrinthectomy procedures (all females) were performed. In seven patients the underlying pathology was an intra-axial brainstem cavernous malformation. Two patients were treated for a basilar artery aneurysm. All patients had progressive neurological signs. Serviceable hearing (pure tone average (PTA): < 50 dB; speech discrimination score (SDS): > 50%) was preserved in seven patients. Partial vestibular function (clinical and electrophysiological) was maintained in most patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The partial labyrinthectomy approach to the skull base provides excellent exposure while preserving cochleovestibular function in most patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Taplin
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Anthony
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tymianski
authors.forename: Michael C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Wallace
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Rutka