Retrolabyrinth approach ?

[ncbj]

Hi,

Anybody having experience with the Retrolabyrinth approach ? I have been told that they use the same way in as for the Translab, however it should be possible to preserve the hearing (app 50%). When surfing in this forum I haven't read much about this technique. I have been "offered" this kind of surgery to take place in 2 weeks time but. A little bit of experience from somebody else would be just fine )

Regards,
Niels

[Tod]

The approach they used on me was a combination of retrosigmoid and translab, but it was not called this, nor was it offered as a way to save hearing. My hearing was effectively gone. In my case it simply necessary to get at the tumor and protect all the involved nerves.

-Tod

[leapyrtwins]

Never heard of this approach.

I'm aware of mid-fossa, retrosigmoid (aka sub-occipital) and translabyrinth (translab).

Jan

[nftwoed]

Hi Niels;

  I've heard of it, but don't recall where or how it was done.
  Am anxious to read your outcome! This may have been the approach used on the John Hopkins pt. who had a late placement cochlear implant by Niparko. The auditory nerve was preserved at the semi-circular canals, it's length, and at the brain stem's auditory cortex.
  Of course a regular translab nearly guts the inner ear and severs the 8th crainial nerve ( what's left of it ) at the brain stem.
  Best wishes!

[geexploitation]

Hi Niels,

I just came across a mention of "retrolabyrinthine" in a paper the other day and was curious about it. I hadn't heard of it; it's certainly not a commonly tossed around term.

Personally, I would love to learn a bit more about it. Do you know what characteristics of your tumor necessitate this approach? Do you know of any good papers or online sources that you could point we toward that might explain this surgical route?

Feel free to PM me. Thanks!

Sean

[ncbj]

Hi,

I have decided not to take the surgery in 2 weeks time. So now I have taken a timeout.

I am a little bit reluctant about the retrolab. I have surfed the internet and I can only find a couple of articles linking AN and retrolab - but they dates 10-15 years back in time. If it is a good method, why isn't it more widespread by now ? Apparently the danish doctors are not allowed to do the middle fossa due to some not so successful surgeries a couple of years ago.

In the mean time I have had a web-consultation with Dr. Friedman from House. He suggests the middle fossa. For the time being I am considering the option of going to LA. From my time spent in this forum I think this would be a very good solution )
 
However, I have to find out whether it is financially viable. I only have limited insurance as we normally have a very good functioning public health care in Denmark.

Niels

[geexploitation]

Good for you -- it takes guts to take a timeout.

Are you currently in Denmark? Might this place in Hannover, Germany be a viable treatment center for you? They've got a sterling reputation for brain tumors.

http://www.ini-hannover.de/en/home.html

[nftwoed]

Hi;

  I understand Dr. Samii and clinic are both very excellent!

  If memory serves correctly, there is also an excellent facility in Belgium.

[pjb]

Hi,

I have decided not to take the surgery in 2 weeks time. So now I have taken a timeout.

I am a little bit reluctant about the retrolab. I have surfed the internet and I can only find a couple of articles linking AN and retrolab - but they dates 10-15 years back in time. If it is a good method, why isn't it more widespread by now ? Apparently the danish doctors are not allowed to do the middle fossa due to some not so successful surgeries a couple of years ago.

In the mean time I have had a web-consultation with Dr. Friedman from House. He suggests the middle fossa. For the time being I am considering the option of going to LA. From my time spent in this forum I think this would be a very good solution )
 
However, I have to find out whether it is financially viable. I only have limited insurance as we normally have a very good functioning public health care in Denmark.

Niels

Just wanted to say from what I have heard and also that I have spoken to Dr. Friedman that would be a great decision if you can have it done there....Good luck

Best Wishes,

[ncbj]

I have finally taken my decision: Middle Fossa at House at 8/8/12. Drs Friedman & Schwarz.

Based on a lot of treads in this forum I find this a safer choice compared to the unknown "retrolab" in Copenhagen.

I have to travel a long distance - and have to pay partly by myself. But this is a once-in-a-lifetime  ... I certainly hope ... so I don't want to regret anything afterwards.

Niels

[Jim Scott]

Niels ~

Congratulations on your decision.  I'll add that I believe it is a very sound decision and of course, I wish you complete success which, with the doctors at HEI, is entirely possible. 

Jim

[lrobie]

Neils,

I'm glad that you've made the decision to go to House.  I will be there ahead of you with Drs. Friedman and Schwartz.  Mine is scheduled for July 18th.  Keep an eye out for my post-op posts.  I'm having middle-fossa too.

Lisa

[mindyandy]

NCBJ
I'm glad to hear you made your decision. Its a tough one. Dr. Friedman & Schwartz is a wonderful choice.

[ncbj]

Lisa, I will certainly look for your posts. Now it all just seems surreal to me ...

[LizAN]

Neils,

I will be there on July 3rd, with Slattery and Schwartz.  Many have gone before us.

Liz