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Objectives/hypothesis: To report the preliminary results of the Ototronix MAXUM middle ear implant for treatment of severe high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss.Study Design: Case series with chart review.Methods: Six consecutive ears with severe high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss (≥75 dB HL at 2, 3, and 4 kHz) and poor aided word recognition performance (≤60% single words) underwent implantation of the MAXUM system at a single, private otologic referral center. Primary outcome measures included frequency-specific functional gain and word recognition score improvement compared to optimally fitted hearing aids.Results: Six ears, in four adult patients (two female; median age 67.5 years) were included. The median unaided preoperative high-frequency pure-tone average (HFPTA) (2, 3, and 4 kHz) was 80.0 dB (range, 75.0-85.0 dB), and the median best-aided word recognition score was 48.0% (range, 24%-60%). The median HFPTA functional gain with the MAXUM system was 47.2 dB, a 25.0 dB improvement (range, 16.7-33.3 dB) (P = .03) over optimally fit hearing aids, and the median word recognition score with MAXUM was 81.5%, a 42.0% improvement (range, 20%-48%) (P = .03) with the MAXUM middle ear implant over optimally fitted hearing aids.Conclusions: These preliminary data demonstrate that the MAXUM middle ear implant provides superior functional gain and word recognition scores in quiet for patients with severe high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss compared to optimally fitted hearing aids. Future studies with greater patient numbers and patient reported outcome measures are needed to confirm these promising but preliminary results.Level Of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 126:2124-2127, 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/Hypothesis: To ascertain the incidence of malignancy in a large glomus and skull base series and to compare the clinical course of such patients with those who do not have malignant skull base lesions. Study Design: Retrospective review of all skull base surgery cases treated at the Otology Group between 1970 and 1995. Results: In a series of 175 jugulotympanic glomus tumors, 9 cases (5.1%) were identified. The surgery required for their extirpation is more extensive than nonmalignant glomus tumors. Attendant deficits and mortality from these procedures are accordingly greater. Five-year survival in this limited population was 72%. Prolonged periods of survival are possible with distant metastases. Conclusions: This rate of malignancy should advocate against a watchful, waiting approach. Radiation therapy is not advocated as a primary modality for this type of tumor, as it may lead to recurrence/persistence with either subsequent malignant degeneration and metastases or local recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To statistically identify factors most important in affecting CN7 outcome in lateral skull base surgery for benign lesions. Study Design: A retrospective review of 217 nonmalignancy lateral skull base procedures from 1970 to 1995 at the Otology Group in Nashville. Methods: Charts were reviewed for epidemiology, histopathology, staging, type of CN7 mobilization (none, short, long, severance with reanastomosis, and resection), preoperative and postoperative CN7 function, surgery performed, and survival. Results: Average House-Brackman (HB) scores for mobilizations were as follows: short, 1.65: long, 2.74: and grafting, 4.33. Factors found to affect outcome in a statistically significant fashion were preoperative HB score, staging, type of CN7 manipulation, and surgical approach. Meningiomas were found to have a worse outcome than glomus tumors. Conclusions: Complete resection of tumors should be performed with minimal manipulation of the facial nerve based on regional anatomy and tumor anatomy. Laryngoscope, 108:1480-1484, 1998 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Suboccipital craniotomy is a frequently used surgical approach for removal of cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors. A frequently cited consequence, however, is the high incidence of postoperative headaches. Much has been written regarding prevention of these headaches, but little has been written of their treatment. The authors review their extensive experience in suboccipital tumor removal and the medical management of postoperative headache, highlighting the recent use of a regimen of divalproex sodium and verapamil. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: The charts of a consecutive series of patients having suboccipital craniotomies for CPA tumors were reviewed. Presence, duration, and severity of headache were noted. Medical treatments and their effectiveness were also noted. Results: Between 1980 and 1997, 228 patients underwent suboccipital craniotomy for removal of CPA tumors. Of these patients, 124 (54.4%) complained of headache. For 62 (27.2%) the headaches persisted for more than a year after surgery. Twenty-nine patients (12.7%) received no relief from any medication. Ten of these patients received a regimen of divalproex sodium and verapamil, with all patients obtaining significant relief. Conclusion: Headache is a significant problem with the suboccipital approach for acoustic tumor removal. The majority of patients that complain of headache can be adequately treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If pain is unrelieved by NSAIDs, treatment becomes problematic. The authors' early experience with divalproex sodium/verapamil is encouraging and deserves further investigation as a treatment for these refractory cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of neurotologic skull base surgery are complete resection of the lesion and high-grade function following surgery. There is a perception that these goals are more difficult to achieve in children than in adults. Skull base disease in children and adolescents is rare. Of the 292 skull base tumors treated from 1970 to 1995 by The Otology Group in Nashville, 15 were in patients 21 years of age or younger, with only 5 patients under 10 years old. In this retrospective study, the authors review these 15 cases and compare them to their adult series. The pathology encountered in the 15 young patients with skull base tumors included 8 glomus lesions and 4 schwannomas. In these patients, 13 tumors occurred sporadically, and 2 tumors were related to neurofibromatosis type 2. Advanced-stage disease and malignancy were prevalent in this younger patient group. All patients underwent excision of their skull base tumor, with one procedure considered a subtotal resection. As compared with an adult glomus tumor series, postoperative cranial nerve function and complication rates were generally worse in the young glomus patients. However, postoperative function and complications were consistent with the extensive procedures required for the treatment of advanced disease. Despite the advances that have been made in imaging and treatment modalities, this study illustrates the need for more timely diagnosis in younger patients with skull base tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this report is to review the outcomes of patients undergoing stapes surgery by the senior author during the past 25 years, and to compare these results with those obtained in other series. A retrospective analysis of 902 patients who underwent stapes surgery by the senior author from 1970 to 1994 was performed. Twenty-two patients underwent stapedotomy; the remainder underwent stapedectomy. Pure-tone averages for air and bone conduction, air-bone gap closure, technique, complications, and patient satisfaction were compared with results obtained in other stapedectomy and stapedotomy series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium has dramatically enhanced our ability to accurately detect the presence of acoustic tumors as small as 2 mm in diameter. Early diagnosis and improved surgical techniques continue to reduce the morbidity associated with surgical removal of these lesions. There exists, however, a select group of patients in whom no treatment may be the most appropriate management. Since 1979, a total of 51 patients with radiographic evidence of an acoustic neuroma have been prospectively followed for tumor growth and progression of symptoms. Patients were chosen for this conservative approach on the basis of age, medical condition, tumor size, audiometric data, and patient preference. This study reveals that a significant number of patients with acoustic tumors can be safely followed with regular imaging studies and may never require treatment. Discussed are tumor growth rates, epidemiology, and the impact of these factors on patient management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current options regarding the treatment of acoustic neuroma in an only-hearing ear include: observation, attempted hearing preservation surgery, and stereotactically guided radiation therapy. A patient who had a left labyrinthectomy for Meniere's disease presented 15 years later with a large right acoustic neuroma. Due to anticipated profound deafness, he fit the criteria for cochlear implantation. Promontory stimulation of the left ear was positive. He underwent successful left cochlear implantation with the Nucleus® 22-channel device and was successfully rehabilitated. He then underwent translabyrinthine removal of his right-sided 2.5-cm acoustic neuroma. This case is used to illustrate a new option available to those faced with treating a patient with acoustic neuroma in an only-hearing ear. How this approach may fit in with other available options will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Injury to the facial nerve in an anomalous location overlying the oval window at the time of stapedectomy has rarely been reported. The authors recently have encountered three patients with such injuries. The facial nerve was found at the time of reexploration to run directly over the oval window. A fourth patient was explored primarily for a conductive hearing loss and the same anomalous course was discovered. The purpose of this report is to alert the otologic surgeon to this rare but potentially catastrophic anomaly and to review the pertinent embryology and management of these malformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of postoperative radiographic follow-up of patients after acoustic neuroma or glomus jugulare tumor removal is unclear and not standardized. The incidence of both lesions is rare and recurrence thought to be unusual. However, a patient with an acoustic neuroma arising in the same ear afflicted with a glomus jugulare tumor removed 5 years earlier prompted a retrospective review of 999 acoustic neuroma and 98 glomus jugulare tumor patients. This review helps to determine the role and frequency of postoperative follow-up, not only to assess recurrence of these lesions but to monitor for the possible development of potential clinically silent new lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of-lateral cranial base surgery for glomus jugulare tumors are gratifying when normal anatomy and function can be preserved. The goal of conservation surgery is to preserve normal ear anatomy and cranial nerve function. In general, conservation surgery is tumor-size dependent. Thus, excellent states of functional recovery depend upon accurate early diagnosis. This paper reviews the technical aspects of transtemporal conservation skull base tumor surgery while also reviewing our experience with nearly 100 glomus jugulare patients. Adjuvants to early diagnosis will be highlighted from a review of presenting symptoms, clinical signs, and related diagnosis. Our objective is to provoke a high index of suspicion in physicians charged with the responsibility of diagnosing these tumors. Diagnostic guidelines are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of glomus tympanicum tumors is not a new subject. A review of the contemporary management concept is, however, needed for two reasons: 1. the recent literature has suggested radiation therapy as a treatment option in this surgical disease, and 2. patients who are referred to us for management of these tumors continue to exhibit errors in diagnosis and surgical approaches that are unnecessarily radical. The purpose of this paper is to review the diagnosis of these lesions and to prospectively differentiate them from the more extensive jugulare tumors. When type and extent of the tumor are properly determined, a surgical procedure can be planned that conserves as much normal ear anatomy and function as possible. Between May 1970 and July 1988, 60 patients with glomus tympanicum tumors were treated at the Otology Group, P.C., in Nashville, Tennessee. In 47 patients (78%), the tumors were removed using an extended facial recess approach. The external auditory canal wall was removed in seven patients (12%), and six patients underwent a transcanal approach. Total tumor removal was obtained in 90% of patients. Surgical management remains the mainstay of treatment for glomus tympanicum tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Laryngoscope is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The first 100 patients in a series of 616 cerebellopontine angle tumors were compared to the most recent 100 patients. All of the first 100 patients were evaluated prior to the common use of CT or ABR. Recently, improved diagnostic studies have resulted in the discovery of significantly smaller tumors. The later group of patients was also found to have their symptoms for a shorter period of time and had better overall hearing at the time of diagnosis. Reductions in the rates of various complications were also observed. These trends are felt to be the direct result of improved audiologic and radiologic diagnostic studies. A heightened awareness of all otolaryngologists to seek the diagnosis of acoustic neuroma also improved early diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-four ears have been explored to rule out perilymph fistulas resulting from ear trauma. Eight ears (24%) were identified with a fistula, often persisting months (average 7.5 months) after the precipitating injury. Repair of fistulas, even if done relatively late, markedly reduces vestibular symptoms and may improve low and middle frequency sensorineural hearing. Complications from negative explorations are rare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between the years of 1978 and 1986 attempts have been made to save the hearing in 47 patients with unilateral pathologically confirmed acoustic neuromas. The middle fossa approach has been used in 32 cases and the suboccipital approach in 15 cases. Our review demonstrates an advantage using the suboccipital approach to excise most of these tumors. The success rate is higher (47% vs. 31%) and complications fewer using the suboccipital route. Despite these findings the middle fossa approach may be preferable in selected tumors located laterally in the internal auditory canal. In an effort to better select patients for hearing conservation surgery, an analysis of preoperative data (demographics, audiometry, evoked auditory response testing, and tumor size) was performed. Although certain guidelines have evolved to more accurately select hearing conservation surgery candidates, we are still unable to do so reliably. Preoperative auditory brain stem response testing, however, may evolve as a useful indicator for a successful hearing operation. The findings of our preoperative data analysis, surgical results, and complications are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contemporary otomicrosurgical techniques have made total removal of acoustic tumor with preservation of the seventh and sometimes the eighth cranial nerves possible. The four approaches currently used in acoustic tumor surgery are the middle cranial fossa, the translabyrinthine, the suboccipital, and the combined translabyrinthine-suboccipital. This review examines the surgical results in the removal of more than 600 acoustic tumors and outlines a rationale for the choice of approach. Tumor size on computed tomographic scan and auditory reserve establish the parameters used in planning the surgical procedure. The translabyrinthine exposure is used most frequently followed by the combined translabyrinthine-suboccipital. The middle fossa and suboccipital approaches are used when preservation of hearing is attempted. Total removal of tumor was accomplished in more than 99% of patients with a mortality rate of less than 1%. Anatomic preservation of the facial nerve, which is directly related to tumor size, was achieved in more than 80% of patients. Preservation of hearing is unlikely when the tumor is larger than 2 cm; anatomic preservation of the cochlear nerve was successful in 73% of hearing preservation procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lesions of the cerebellopontine angle may cause a sudden hearing loss. To illustrate and reaffirm the importance of a thorough neurotologic evaluation we performed a retrospective review of the audiologic and clinical data available on 506 patients with proven lesions of the cerebellopontine angle. Seventy-seven patients (15.2%) were found to have a history commensurate with sudden hearing loss. We reviewed the relevant audiologic data as well as the clinical circumstances of this select patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The history of the management of chronic ear disease with and without cholesteutoma is dominated by a canal wall down philosophy. The implication is that such an open procedure insures disease control and an uncomplicated future. In point of fact, problem canal wall down procedures can be fraught with as many seríous complications as their more controversial canal wall up counterpart is alleged to propagute. Such problem cavities most commonly result from poor execution of basic technique. The objective of this paper is to identify what constitutes a problem cavity and to describe the authors' techniques to avoid such difficulties. A technique has evolved which not only eradicates disease, but which is self-cleansing and of minimal impact on the patient's lifestyle. The authors' experience with canal wall down procedures is reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical and diagnostic features of catecholamine secreting glomus tumors are reviewed. Three cases are reported, including the first documented case of a dopamine secreting glomus jugulare tumor. Based on this experience, the authors have outlined the indications for selective venous catheterterization studies and for pharmacologic blockage in the management of these patients. In addition to routine urinary screening, a high index of clinical suspicion is needed to avoid the complications associated with catecholamine secreting tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osseous hemangiomas are distinctly unusual tumors of the skull base. They clinically mimic other, more common lesions in this region, and their diagnosis is rarely made preoperatively with currently available techniques. Three cases of osseous hemangiomata, 2 involving the geniculate region and 1 arising from the jugular bulb, are described in relation to the perioperative assessment and management of these lesions. A review of 21 previously reported skull base hemangiomas is included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Laryngoscope is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The authors review 1,939 chronic ear surgeries in which 1,556 underwent some form of tympanic membrane grafting. The overall take rate was 93%. There was no selection of cases with regard to presence of infection, cholesteatoma, polyps, or granulation tissue at the time of surgery. There appeared to be no difference in the take rate based upon age of the patient, presence of infection, or cholesteatoma. Autogenous and homograft fascia performed well and there was no significant difference in take rate. Complications were minimal and were related more to the disease process than the grafting technique per se. In addition to reviewing the long-term follow-up of the original technique the authors present a method of dealing with tympanic membrane retraction pockets. Called a cartilage tympanoplasty this procedure incorporates a large piece of full thickness tragal cartilage with attached perichondrium into the substance of the tympanic membrane. With 2 years follow-up at this writing, this procedure has markedly reduced postoperative retraction pockets and recurrent cholesteatoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electroneurography, an objective electrophysiologic measurement of a muscle compound action potential, is used to assess the integrity of a peripheral motor nerve. This paper describes how to perform electroneurography with particular attention to control of patient and instrumentation variables. Twenty-two normal adult subjects were tested in a balanced, designed experiment. The resultant average difference between the right and left halves of the face was not significant. The standard deviation of this difference was divided into three components: test-retest daily, and intersubject. The data suggest that the most significant source of error in electroneurography is test-retest variability (p less than 0.05) and that repeated and averaged measures on a given patient will increase the precision of the test. As further understanding and experience are gained, electroneurography measurements should be interpreted in light of clinical findings and more traditional tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surgical management of cholesteatoma in children remains a controversial subject. Many authors hold that the disease itself is more aggressive than that seen in adults. Furthermore, there appears to be a consensus that intact canal wall procedures, if used at all, should be reserved for adults only. The purpose of this paper is to study a group of children and adults who underwent the surgical removal of their cholesteatoma by intact canal wall tympanoplasty at the Otology Group between March 1, 1971 and March 1, 1977. A comparison of the results and complications in the two groups is presented in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO2 laser surgery has been employed successfully in the larynx for the past ten years. Because of the nature of the CO2 beam, it is necessary to mount the laser itself onto the operating microscope, thereby making it difficult to adapt to otologic microsurgery. The ability of the argon laser to be transferred through a fiber optic bundle has made it possible to introduce a whole new concept to microsurgery of the ear and adjacent structures. The argon laser has been used by the authors, on a routine basis, in all acoustic neuroma surgery for the past ten months (30 cases). The purpose of this paper is to present their preliminary experience. Surgical technique is covered in detail describing the many advantages the laser has provided in the management of these difficult lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical interpretation of acoustic reflex test results in ears with sensorineural impairment should be based on a consideration of three characteristics of the response: the reflex threshold hearing level, the reflex threshold sensation level, and the decay of the reflex. Examination of results in 152 ears with cochlear pathology and in 152 ears with acoustic tumor indicated that in some cases the combination of characteristics may be contradictory as to site of lesion. Regarding a contradictory response pattern as questionable -- neither confirming nor denying a specific site of lesion -- improves the predictive accuracy of the test through a reduction in the number of false identifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The individual with a progressive (weeks to months) facial weakness should be considered to have a tumor involving the facial nerve until proved otherwise. All individuals experiencing a facial paralysis must undergo a thorough neurotologic evaluation to establish the etiology. Bell's palsy is a diagnosis by exclusion. While computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans, polytomography and arteriograms are extremely helpful, these studies very often fail to demonstrate intrinsic tumors involving the facial nerve. For this reason all individuals experiencing a progressive facial paralysis should have an exploration of their facial nerve from the internal auditory canal (IAC) through the stylomastoid foramen into the parotid gland. The purpose of this paper is to present a series of cases of facial paralysis having as their etiology intrinsic or extrinsic neoplasms. Clinical patterns are established, diagnostic protocols formulated and the results of surgical management reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The patient presenting with a red mass behind the eardrum and a pulsating tinnitus may well have a vascular tumor. One must be ever mindful, however, that the mass may represent a congential vascular anomaly. The most common one seen is the uncovered jugular bulb in which the vessel extends superiorly into the middle ear to or above the incudostapedial joint. More rare is the uncovered and posteriorly displaced carotid artery. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on the subject of vascular anomalies of the middle ear and temporal bone and to discuss the diagnosis and management of these lesions. Illustrative case reports with color photographs are presented as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the well pneumatized temporal bone, the temporal lobe of the brain is separated from the middle ear and mastoid process by a thin layer of bone known as the tegmen. Congenital defects, infection, and trauma can alter this structure in such a way that cerebral tissue herniates into the ear. This unusual condition may precipitate numerous otologic problems such as hearing loss, trapped squamous epithelium, and the potential for meningitis or encephalitis. The purpose of this paper is to define the problem as well as discuss the diagnosis and surgical management. The authors feel this should be a team effort, in many cases employing the assistance of a neurosurgeon, as the repair must often be intradural. Case histories and an extensive review of the literature are to be included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors describe the diagnosis and surgical management of 70 glomus tumors seen at the Otology Group in an 8 yr. period. The need for bilateral arteriograms to detect associated tumors (carotid body and intervagale) is stressed. A new surgical technique, the modified intratemporal fossa approach, is described for the removal of large glomus jugulare tumors involving the carotid artery. Complications and results are discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Etiology, diagnosis, and surgical management of facial paralysis due to traumatic injury of the VIIth cranial nerve are discussed. Sixty patients are reviewed who underwent some type of surgical procedure for the repair of the facial nerve. These cases are categorized according to etiology, which includes temporal bone fractures, iatrogenic injuries, and penetrating wounds of the head and neck. The results of a poll of eight leading otologists on their approaches to several aspects of the surgical management of these injuries are presented in the Discussion section. The diagnostic and prognostic studies associated with facial paralysis, as well as the more common surgical procedures available for repair of the facial nerve, are briefly reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A resurgence of interest in surgery on the endolymphatic sac (ELS), not only for relief of vertigo but also for stabilization or improvement of hearing, has emerged. With the concept of operating early in the course of the disease after the diagnosis is well established, various modifications of existing procedures on the ELS have been utilized in an attempt to improve the overall results. One such major modification is the unidirectional inner ear valve implant modified from the eye valve for glaucoma. This valve implant has produced impressive one-year results for both hearing improvements and relief of vertigo in patients who were scheduled for labyrinthectomy. Subsequent preliminary reports by several investigators show good to excellent results for the hearing (AAOO - Class B or A) as well as the vertigo without consideration for the stage of the disease. This study presents primarily the step by step technique with drawings and a color atlas to facilitate the correct performance of this surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 25 years ago, Wullstein and Zollner introduced the concept of tympano-plasty to the field of chronic ear disease. Prior to this time, the main objective of surgery was to eliminate otorrhea and very little thought was given to the functional restoration of hearing. To convert a draining ear to a dry, functioning one has been the goal of tympanoplasty for this ensuing quarter of a century. The state of the art has developed to where currently the majority of surgeons obtain graft takes in the vicinity of 90-97%. Return or preservation of hearing is anywhere from 60-85%, depending upon the type of ossicular defect. This, of course, has economic overtones both from the cost of medical care and from restoration of function to the patient. There is certainly something to be said for control of the disease process so the patient does not periodically lose time from work and does not have to buy drugs. With restoration of function the patient many times can obtain a better job and increase his standard of living. Many patients are happy to have their ears repaired so they no longer have to see a doctor five or six times a year for consultation and prescriptions. Some of these individuals have been having difficulty for 15 to 20 years and they are most appreciative when they no longer require outpatient care. While there are still problems to overcome, it is the authors' opinion, based on the current state of the art, that tympanoplasty has progressed a great deal since the early 1950's and at this time is a successful method of dealing with chronic ear disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After 15 years of being involved in the surgical removal of acoustic tumors, otologists are still faced with the general opinion that large tumors are only managed by neuro-surgeons. With improvement in surgical technique and the advancement of neurosurgery, large tumors can be successfully removed by the translabyrinthine or a combined approach. The purpose of this paper is to define how tumor size is determined, the diagnostic problems of large tumors, and the technical aspects of their surgical removal. There are many advantages to the combined translabyrinthine-suboccipital procedure when employed by an otologist-neurosurgeon team. Morbidity and mortality rates are lowered considerably by this method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumors involving the base of the skull are often occult and may become quite large before detection is possible. Symptomology varies depending upon the nature of the tumor and its placement. These neoplasms have frequently been considered inoperable simply because of their location, but in recent years microsurgical technique and high speed air drills have allowed the modern temporal bone surgeon to gain improved access to the skull base. A wide variety of surgical approaches to tumors in this area have been described in the past 20 years: translabyrinthine, middle fossa, transcochlear, retrolabyrinthine, retrosigmoid, transpalatal-transclival, and through the jugular bulb. The purpose of this paper is to review the indications, complications, and results of each of these procedures in relation to specific tumors involving the skull base. Case reports illustrate the diagnosis and surgical management of a variety of unusual neoplasms, including an extradural meningioma of the temporal bone and clivus, a low grade squamous cell carcinoma on the tegmen in a radical cavity, a large primary cholesteatoma, an osteoblastoma of the temporal and occipital bones, an XIth nerve neuroma in the jugular bulb area, and an osseous hemangioma involving the facial nerve at the geniculate ganglion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of individuals with Ménière's Disease can be successfully managed by medical means; however, there are some patients who become refractory to this form of therapy. It is this group of patients who are candidates f or some type of surgical procedure. This paper reviews 109 patients who underwent 112 endolymphatic subarachnoid shunt procedures for the control of their Ménière's Disease. Medical therapy, indications for surgery, surgical technique, results, and complications are covered in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The triad of fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and episodic attacks of vertigo known as Meniere's disease can be a frustrating therapeutic problem. While most patients respond to a medical regime consisting of a low salt diet, diuretics, diazepam, and propantheline bromide, there is a significant group who remain refractory to conservative management. These individuals either continue to experience their distressing symptoms or undergo some type of surgical procedure in an attempt to seek relief. There are a multitude of such techniques available to the otologic surgeon and he must make the decision as- to which procedure is best for any given individual. The authors' employ three surgical approaches for the management of Meniere's disease. These are the translabyrinthine laby-rinthectomy, the endolymphatic subarachnoid shunt, and the middle fossa vestibular nerve section. In this paper the indications for surgery, technique, results and complications are covered in detail. Thirty-one patients are reviewed who have been followed from one to four years postoperatively. Seventeen had total and 14 had superior vestibular nerve sections. The results were much better in the total group, as 94 percent had complete relief of vertigo and 76 percent were able to maintain their preoperative hearing level. The authors feel the middle fossa vestibular nerve section is a valuable addition to the otologist's armamentarium in the treatment of the patient who is refractory to medical management [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study represents a review of 121 patients who underwent ossicular chain reconstruction during a five-year period. They depict a general cross section of the sequelae of chronic otitis media. There was no selection of 'favorable' cases. Ninety have been followed for one year or more. Hearing results in the most favorable cases (malleus handle and stapes arch present), were improved by the employment of a sculptured, fitted incus prosthesis between the handle and capitulum. Postoperative hearing was improved to within 10 db of the postoperative bone level in about half of the cases. Hearing was 20 db or better in more than 80 percent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two primary symptoms of chronic ear disease are otorrhea and hearing loss. The goal of any tympanoplasty is to eradicate disease and improve hearing. These are the primary indications for this procedure. The success or failure of the surgery is influenced by many factors such as the age and general health of the patient, the extent and type of disease present, and whether the upper airway is functioning properly. Contraindications to tympanoplasty will vary from one surgeon to another depending upon his training, philosophy, experience, and surgical skill. It is helpful to think of these contraindications as being either absolute or relative. Absolute contraindications consist of: 1. uncontrolled cholesteatoma; 2. malignant tumors; 3. unusual infections and/or extenuating circumstances; and 4. complications of chronic ear disease, such as meningitis, brain abscess, or lateral sinus thrombosis. Relative contraindications are less well defined: 1. eustachian tube insufficiency or non-function; 2. the uncooperative patient; 3. the dead ear; 4. the better hearing or only hearing ear; 5. the elderly patient; 6. the young child; and 7. the repeated failure case. The otologic surgeon must exercise good clinical judgment in selecting patients for tympanoplasty. This paper deals with some of the more common problems in decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glomus tumors can be classified as to their origin in the temporal bone. Those limited to the middle ear and mastoid are referred to as tympanicum tumors while those originating in the jugular bulb are known as jugulare tumors. Diagnostic studies such as polytomes of the temporal bone, retrograde venograms and arteriograms now make it possible for the surgeon to determine not only the origin of the tumor but also the extent of its involvement in the temporal bone and base of the skull. Surgical removal is the treatment of choice for these lesions and radiation therapy is considered palliative and used only in inoperable cases. The theme of this paper is that extensive tympanicum and jugulare tumors can be removed with preservation of the eardrum, ossicles, posterior canal wall and cranial nerves. Twenty-one patients are presented with summarized case histories. A protocal for diagnosis and a system of operations for the removal of these tumors has been presented in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early detection of acoustic and other cerebellopontine angle tumors depends upon a high index of suspicion on the part of the otolaryngologist. He must be willing to perform a routine neuro-otologic evaluation on every patient with unilateral tinnitus, unilateral sensori-neural hearing loss or any symptoms of an inner ear disorder. The audiometric and vestibular examinations should be reliable and X-rays of the temporal bone must be of excellent quality. There is a natural tendency to forego X-rays when a patient seems to have an obivous diagnosis such as Ménière's disease; in fact, there are many such pitfalls in which the physician can allow himself to be misled. The purpose of this paper is to review the neuro-otologic diagnosis. Six case histories are presented that represent some of the more common pitfalls that can confused the diagnosis of a cerebellopontine angle tumor. The symptoms and objective findings in tumor patients are discussed in detail. Emphasis is placed on the team approach to diagnosis, encouraging cooperation among the otolaryngologist, audiologist, neurosurgeon and radiologist. In this manner, these tumors can be detected when they are small, and their removal can be accomplished with a low morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early attempts to repair tympanic membrane perforations were not uniformly successful. At first, full thickness and later split thickness skin was used as an overlay graft. The many problems associated with this material soon led most surgeons to seek a substitute. Over the years canal skin and connective tissue (particularly fascia) became popular, and two grafting techniques developed. The use of connective tissue made it possible to place the graft under the drum remnant as well as over. There are some difficulties associated with both procedures. When fascia is placed over the drum remnant several problems such as anterior sulcus blunting, graft lateralization, epithelial pearls and delayed healing may occur. The undersurface procedure is technically more difficult, and error in graft placement accounts for many of the failures that occur with this method. This paper discusses both classic techniques in general terms, stressing the advantages and disadvantages of both. By combining some features of each technique and by employing the postauricular approach, a method of undersurface grafting in presented that has consistently produced good tympanic membranes. Results (take rate and quality of drum head) are described in 237 cases in which both techniques of grafting were used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In April, 1967, we performed our first transplant of a homograft tympanic membrane in a case of chronic ear disease. This work was presented in a 'Preliminary Report' in January, 1968. The purpose of this paper is to give our experience (almost five years) with this technique of tympanoplasty. Our initial investigation was fraught with many difficulties. At the beginning of the project there were no clear cut legal priorities for obtaining and using cadaver material. No specific or generally accepted preservation solution was available, and the best method of storage was yet to be determined. The aim of the series was to develop a method of grafting the drum in patients with chronic ear disease. In addition, it was our hope that by incorporating the intact ossicles as well we would be able to increase the hearing in those difficult cases in which all ossicular remnants had been destroyed. While our original results were encouraging, the long term evaluation has been somewhat disappointing. The overall take rate for the drums has dropped to 65 percent. Hearing results are approximately the same as for any standard tympanoplasty procedure, no worse, but certainly no better. Since the beginning of our series other investigators have begun to use the technique with considerable more success. Perkins has been able to raise the take rate to 90 percent (acceptable) by using a buffered Formalin solution. The passage of the Uniform Donor Act has made homograft tissues more available and opened the way for the new national ear bank programs. While our experience has been disappointing, we feel we did help to stimulate interest in this procedure and that many of our failures have since been corrected by other investigators. We feel the future is good for homograft transplants to the middle ear and will continue to improve on our own techniques as well as those of others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]