title: The Prevalence of Cochlear Obliteration After Labyrinthectomy Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging and the Implications for Cochlear Implantation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cochlear obliteration after labyrinthectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective review of medical records.
  
  
  METHODS
  Tertiary referral center.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-five patients who had previously undergone resection of an acoustic neuroma through a translabyrinthine approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  The magnetic resonance studies were analyzed as part of the routine surveillance after tumor resection.
  
  
  METHODS
  To determine whether the cochlear lumen remained fluid filled.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixty-five cochleas were examined. Forty-four cochleas were patent and, of the remaining 21, 9 were obliterated and 12 were partially obliterated. The average length of follow-up for the patent, partially obliterated, and obliterated cochlea groups was 47, 29, and 77 months, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Obliteration of the cochlea, either partially or completely, occurs in approximately one-third of patients. Time elapsed after labyrinthectomy did not seem to be a predictor of cochlear obliteration.
authors.affiliation: ENT Department, St. Vincent's Public Hospital, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Simon D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Charlett
authors.forename: Nigel
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Biggs
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003051:Cochlea / Q000293:injuries*; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007761:Labyrinthine Fluids; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008575:Meniere Disease / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D016518:Neurofibromatosis 2 / Q000601:surgery; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000601:surgery; D013506:Otologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult