title: Predictors of hearing preservation in the management of labyrinthine fistulas positioned on the semicircular canals.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We sought to identify factors that would predict hearing preservation in the treatment of semicircular canal labyrinthine fistulas.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 1990 and 2010, 97 patients with semicircular canal fistulas were operated on and enrolled in this retrospective study. In 62 patients the matrix was removed and the fistula was sealed, whereas in 35 patients the canal was drilled, the matrix was detached, and the canal was occluded. Perioperative corticosteroids were administered in 51 patients. The main outcome measures were the bone conduction thresholds evaluated at 1 year after the operation. Factors considered for possible association with hearing preservation included age, gender, site and size of the fistula, primary versus revision surgery, surgeon, perioperative corticosteroid treatment, and surgical management of the fistula.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The bone conduction hearing level was improved in 16 patients, remained unchanged in 73 patients, and had worsened in 11 patients. On the univariate analysis, good hearing was predicted by grade II fistula, canal plugging, and corticosteroid treatment. However, none of these factors attained significance in the logistic regression model.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In surgery of semicircular canal fistulas, good hearing outcomes are to be expected if perioperative corticosteroids are administered, matrix removal and fistula sealing is performed in grade II fistulas, and canal occlusion is performed in grade III and IV fistulas.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Ospedale Civile di Venezia, Venice, Italy.
authors.forename: Silviu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Albu
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Amadori
authors.forename: Gregorio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Babighian
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001844:Bone Conduction / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005402:Fistula / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007759:Labyrinth Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012665:Semicircular Canals; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult