Removing an acoustic schwannoma using the translabyrinthine approach has previously been considered incompatible with hearing preservation. By modifying the approach and preventing the loss of endolymph, we have successfully removed an intracanalicular acoustic schwannoma, which originated from the inferior vestibular nerve, and preserved hearing in the operated ear. This report represents the preliminary findings using this particular technique in the management of an intracanalicular acoustic tumour.

We have reviewed sensory evoked potential (EP) findings in 17 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Somatosensory EPs were abnormal in 7 of 16 patients after lower-extremity stimulation and in 2 of 16 patients after upper-extremity stimulation. Brainstem auditory EP abnormalities were found in 2 of 12 patients. No abnormalities were noted on pattern reversal visual EPs in 12 patients. Overall, 47% of all ALS patients studied had at least one EP abnormality. EP evidence of CNS sensory dysfunction in ALS is more frequent than that noted clinically or pathologically and offers further support to previous observations of sensory system involvement in ALS.

Removal of an acoustic neuroma using the translabyrinthine approach has previously been considered "incompatible" with hearing preservation. By modifying the approach and preventing the loss of endolymph, we have successfully removed two intracanalicular acoustic neuromas that originated from the inferior vestibular nerves, and preserved serviceable hearing in the ears operated on. This report represents the preliminary findings using this particular technique in the management of intracanalicular acoustic neuromas.

No abstract