Translabyrinthine approach to internal auditory meatus: A retrospective study.

Background: Ear and the lateral skull base surgery is challenging and yet fascinating for a Neuro-otologist. A thorough knowledge of the complex anatomy is indispensable for the surgeon in order to provide the best possible care.

Methods: The aim of the study was to highlight the present day indications for translabyrinthine approach to IAM from a Neuro-otologist perspective.

Results: There were a total of 7 patients who underwent Translabyrinthine approach at our centre. In the present study we have reported cases of Vestibular Schwannoma, Facial nerve schwannoma, Cholesteatoma involving the IAM, Meniere's disease with refractory vertigo which were managed via translabyrinthine approach. We also encountered, probably the first reported case, tuberculoma of the IAM which was clinical suspected to be vestibular schwannoma.

Conclusion: The article presents different clinical situations where this approach can be suitably utilized and has been dealt with via a retrospective study encountered at our centre.