Results of Singular Neurectomy in the Posterior Ampullary Recess

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect on hearing and balance symptoms following singular neurectomy (SN) for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) in the ampullary recess of the posterior semicircular canal. RESEARCH DESIGN: The charts of 242 patients with chronic disabling BPPV who were treated with SN over a 29-year period (1972-2001) were reviewed. The results on relief of BPPV and hearing function were recorded. A subset of 16 patients where the posterior ampullary recess was entered to expose the SN is described in detail with regard to an effect on hearing and balance. RESULTS: A total of 252 SN were performed in 242 patients. Ten patients underwent bilateral SN sequentially; the remaining 232 patients had unilateral SN. The ages of the patients ranged from 21 to 86 years, with a mean at 57 years. The female:male ratio was 174:68. Complete relief of BPPV was achieved in 244 patients (96.8%), incomplete relief in 3 (1%), and no relief in 5 (2%). Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) occurred in 9 patients (3.7%). A subset of 16 patients in whom the ampullary recess was opened during SN ranged in age from 21 to 79 years, with a mean at 56 years. The female:male ratio was 12:4, with right and left sides divided almost equally. Relief of BPPV was achieved in all 16 patients with no loss of hearing function. Five patients complained of a fistula response postoperatively (31%). The fistula response resolved by 6 months postoperatively in all 5 patients. CONCLUSIONS: SN is effective in relief of BPPV with little risk of SNHL (3.7%). The risk of SNHL is not increased when the posterior ampullary recess must be entered in order to transect the singular nerve. A positive fistula response may be present temporarily in almost one third of these patients.