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This video demonstrates a transcanal endoscopic infracochlear approach to the petrous apex in a patient with a large cholesterol granuloma. The patient presented with a history of profound left sensorineural hearing loss, hemifacial spasm, and House Brackmann Grade 2 facial function. Preoperative imaging demonstrated a T1 and T2 hyperintense heterogenous lesion in both petrous apices with the left being larger than the right on magentic resonance imaging. A computed tomography scan (CT) of the temporal bones demonstrates extension of the left petrous apex lesion into the internal auditory canal and cochlea.
Dr. Isaacson has had 2 patients who have had significant recovery of their bone line after using an infracochlear approach. In the unlikely event that the patient experiences hearing loss in the other ear, their cochlea is preserved for a possible CI. However, the patients hearing loss is likely secondary to the 8th nerve involvement of cholesterol granuloma erosion into IAC.
The patient in this surgical video has been monitored for a year. One year postop CT shows aeration of the apex. This patient’s facial spasm has resolved. Dr. Isaacson has used stents in the past, but in this case felt the opening was large enough that he could forego it. Patient did not recover their hearing.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17797/1wq11j68wa
Transcanal Endoscopic Infracochlear Approach for a Petrous Apex Cholesterol Granuloma
cholesterol granuloma, cholesteatoma, neoplasms of the petrous apex
High jugular bulb
14 Cm Endoscopes
3 Mm Diameter; 0
30
45 Degree
Styker S2 Otologic Drill
The patient is turned 180 degrees from anesthesia with the head turned with the operative ear facing the surgeon. Facial nerve monitoring is used for the case. The ear is prepped with betadine which includes getting solution into the ear canal. A four quadrant ear canal injection is performed with lidocaine or marcaine with diluted epinephrine. The ear canal hair is trimmed with curved iris scissors.
Magnetic resonance imaging, temporal bone computed tomography, detailed cranial nerve exam
Petrous carotid artery, cochlea, jugular bulb, tympanic annulus, hypotympanum,
vascular injury, bleeding, hearing loss, vertigo, cerebrospinal fluid leak, facial paralysis, chorda tympani nerve injury with taste disturbance, injury to the ossicular chain
vascular injury, bleeding, hearing loss, vertigo, cerebrospinal fluid leak, facial paralysis, chorda tympani nerve injury with taste disturbance, injury to the ossicular chain
1. Marchioni D, Alicandri-Ciufelli M, Mattioli F, et al. From external to internal auditory canal: surgical anatomy by an exclusive endoscopic approach. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2013 Mar;270(4):1267���¢�¯�¿�½�¯�¿�½1275.
2. Endoscopic transcanal corridors to the lateral skull base: Initial experiences. Marchioni D, Alicandri-Ciufelli M, Rubini A, Presutti L. Laryngoscope. 2015 Sep;125 Suppl 5:S1-S13. doi: 10.1002/lary.25203. Epub 2015 Feb 20.
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