Labyrinthektómia

Labyrinthektómia, also known as labyrinthine surgery, is a medical procedure aimed at treating conditions affecting the labyrinth, a structure within the inner ear that plays a crucial role in balance and spatial orientation. The labyrinth is composed of the semicircular canals, the vestibule, and the cochlea. Conditions that may necessitate labyrinthektómia include Ménière's disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), and other vestibular disorders.

The primary goal of labyrinthektómia is to alleviate symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance. The procedure involves the surgical removal or destruction of the affected parts of the labyrinth. There are several types of labyrinthektómia, including:

1. Labyrinthectomy: Complete removal of the labyrinth.

2. Vestibulotomy: Partial removal of the vestibule, which contains the otolith organs responsible for gravity and linear acceleration.

3. Canalithotomy: Removal of the semicircular canals, which are responsible for rotational movement.

The surgical approach can vary depending on the specific condition and the surgeon's preference. Common techniques include:

1. Endolymphatic sac surgery: Accessing the endolymphatic sac, a fluid-filled space within the inner ear, to remove or destroy the affected structures.

2. Direct surgical access: Making a small opening in the temporal bone to directly access and manipulate the labyrinthine structures.

Post-operative care typically involves a period of rest and rehabilitation to help the patient recover from the surgery and regain balance. Patients may experience temporary side effects such as hearing loss, tinnitus, and facial nerve dysfunction, which usually resolve over time.

Labyrinthektómia is considered a last-resort treatment for severe vestibular disorders when conservative measures have failed. The success rate of the procedure can vary, and individual outcomes depend on the specific condition, the extent of the surgery, and the patient's overall health.