Retrolabyrinthine vestibular neurectomy.

Vestibular neurectomy performed through the middle fossa or retrolabyrinthine approach is an effective method of denervating the labyrinth while preserving residual hearing. In the authors' opinion, the retrolabyrinthine approach is easier to perform, takes less time, and places the facial nerve in less jeopardy than the middle fossa procedure. The results of 26 cases of retrolabyrinthine vestibular neurectomy followed from six to 26 months indicate an 85% (22/26) cure rate of vertigo and a 79% (21/26) rate of hearing unchanged or improved.