title: Intralabyrinthine penetrating ventilation tube with preservation of hearing: an unusual clinical situation.
abstract: Introduction Traumatic perilymphatic fistula is not a rare event with regards to sport activities or traffic accident. However, iatrogenic damage to the inner ear can occur following the common use of grommets and ventilation tube insertion. Objectives To report an unusual case of insertion of aeration tube into the vestibule trough the stapes footplate. Resumed Report A 62-year-old woman experienced iatrogenic penetration into the vestibule from a ventilation tube inserted for retraction pocket management. The event was misdiagnosed both by the surgeon and by the emergency room physicians, leading to delay in the management. However, preservation of the hearing function lasted for 2 weeks prior to deafness, thanks to the valve of Bast, which preserved the cochlear fluid. Conclusion This case gives us the opportunity to stress the need for systematic clinical examination of traumatic injury to the ear and to recommend performing multiplanar millimetric computed tomography scan with accurate interpretation. Traumatic injuries should be referred to a dedicated traumatic emergency referral center.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology and Skull Base Surgery, University Hospital Nord, Marseille, France.
authors.forename: Tantely Razafimahefa
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Raoelina
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology and Skull Base Surgery, University Hospital Nord, Marseille, France.
authors.forename: Maya
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Elziere
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology and Skull Base Surgery, La Timone University Hospital, Marseille, France.
authors.forename: Justin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Michel
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology and Skull Base Surgery, University Hospital Nord, Marseille, France ; Laboratory of Applied Biomechanics IFSTTAR, Aix Marseille University, Bd Pierre Dramard, Marseille, France.
authors.forename: Arnaud
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Devèze
keywords: labyrinth; perilymph; stapes surgery; trauma; tympanic membrane rupture