title: CO2 laser-assisted posterior semicircular canal ablation for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to analyze a new technique, CO2 laser-assisted posterior semicircular canal ablation (LAPSCCA), in the treatment of refractory benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective study of patients with disabling BPPV who failed conservative therapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients noted to have been treated with at least three Epley maneuvers without success and continuing to have disabling symptoms were enrolled in this study. Patients underwent pre- and post-operative electronystagmography. The surgical technique is modified from Parnes1 and involves plugging each end of the fenestrated posterior semicircular canal with bone grafts and fibrin glue. The CO2 fiberoptic (Omniguide) laser is then used at a setting of 2 watts to incise between the cut ends of the canal to completely section the membranous labyrinth.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All six patients had excellent relief of positional vertigo symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LAPSCCA is an excellent treatment option for patients with intractable BPPV.
authors.affiliation: University of Florida, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Glenn W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Knox
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012665:Semicircular Canals / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014717:Vertigo / Q000601:surgery*