POSTOPERATIVE RECURRENCE OF PERILYMPHATIC FISTULAS

Postoperative follow-up study of perilymphatic fistulas (PLFs) showed that recurrence of PLF was not rare and revision was sometimes needed to relieve the symptoms associated with leakage of perilymph. Of the 54 PLF patients surgically treated in our clinic, some sign or symptom of recurrence was found in 9 cases (17%). Vertigo accompanied by spontaneous or positional nystagmus was noted in all 9 cases, while only 3 complained of exacerbation of the existing hearing loss. Revision was indicated in 3 patients since they had no predisposition to spontaneous healing. Various etiological and underlying factors contributed to the incidence of recurrence. Careful operative procedures together with strict postoperative management are required for surgical treatment of PLF.