Labyrinthotomy for destruction of the labyrinth

Destruction of the Labyrinth and Perilabyrinthitis

“…There is a well-known traditional explanation mentioned by Cawthorne (1960) and Harrison (1970) which holds that the labyrinth involved in suppuration becomes loculated by healing fibrosis in such a way that pockets of vestibular epithelium survive, and by discharging irregularly cause vertigo. This theory was devised to account for those patients suffering imbalance and vertigo after mastoid surgery, who continue so to suffer despite numerous operations designed to destroy the labyrinth.…”

“…The situation in Meniere's disease deserves comment at the outset. Some writers, including Harrison (1970), have drawn attention to the occasional difficulty encountered in destroying the labyrinth. The general experience, however, is that even slight damage to part of the labyrinth in this disorder effectively destroys all cochlear and vestibular function.…”