• Toru Fukuhara, Damon A Silverman, Gordon B Hughes, Sam E Kinney, Craig W Newman, Sharon A Sandridge, and Joung H Lee.
• Department of Neurological Surgery, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA.
• Otol. Neurotol. 2002 Jan 1;23(1):67-72.

ObjectiveTo determine the surgical efficacy of a simplified retrosigmoid approach for vestibular nerve sectioning.Study DesignA retrospective analysis.SettingTertiary academic referral center.PatientsTwenty-eight consecutive patients who underwent vestibular nerve sectioning for intractable peripheral vestibular disorders.InterventionAll patients had a simplified retrosigmoid approach for vestibular nerve sectioning.Main Outcome MeasuresFunctional outcome after vestibular nerve sectioning was analyzed with respect to improvement in patient disability from vertigo and reduction in the frequency of definitive vertigo attacks. Resolution of lightheadedness provided an additional outcome measure. The incidence of surgical complications, including postoperative headache, was determined, and the operative time was reviewed.ResultsTwenty-six patients (92.9%) had an improved functional level postoperatively, 21 (75.0%) had excellent improvement, 4 (14.3%) had significant improvement, 1 (3.6%) had limited improvement, and 2 (7.1%) had no change. No patient was worse postoperatively. Eighteen of 23 Ménière's patients (78.3%) had complete control of definitive vertigo attacks after vestibular nerve sectioning. Improvement in lightheadedness was seen in 23 patients (82.1%), 11 (39.3%) of whom reported complete resolution. Postoperative headache developed in 1 (3.6%) patient. No patients experienced infection, facial weakness, or leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. Mild hearing deterioration was seen in 2 patients (7.1%). The mean operative time was 76.3 minutes.ConclusionWith excellent efficacy, short operative time, and a low incidence of postoperative hearing loss or headache, this simplified retrosigmoid technique should be considered for vestibular nerve sectioning in patients with intractable peripheral vestibular disorders.

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