Intralabyrinthine neurinoma: Management, exeresis and auditory restoration with cochlear implant.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Vestibular schwannoma is a benign tumour that originates in the eighth cranial nerve. It is termed intralabyrinthine schwannoma (ILS) when it develops in the inner ear, this being a rare origin. We present our experience in the management of three patients with ILS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The results of tumour excision and cochlear implantation were evaluated in three patients with ILS two intracochlear schwannomas (ICS) and one intravestibular schwannoma (IVS). RESULTS: Prior to surgery, all patients presented progressive sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus. Complete tumour resection and cochlear implantation was possible in all patients, with favourable hearing rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutic approach will depend on tumour size, growth rate, degree of hearing loss and presence of vestibular symptoms. Cochlear implantation (CI) in patients with ILS is possible when the cochlear nerve is present and functional. CI in patients, whether or not preceded by tumour excision, is an option with good hearing results in selected patients.