Quality of life outcomes after transmastoid plugging of superior semicircular canal dehiscence

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness and impact on quality of life in patients undergoing plugging of superior semicircular canal dehiscence using the transmastoid approach. Materials and methods: Retrospective chart review with prospective outcomes assessment, using validated quantitative scoring systems, was performed on 10 patients (23-76 years) who underwent transmastoid plugging of superior semicircular canal dehiscence between February 2014 and February 2018 at a tertiary referral center. Pre-operative and post-operative autophony and vertigo were measured by The Autophony Index and the Dizziness Handicap Index. Overall quality of life following intervention was measured by the Glasgow Benefit Inventory. Subjective improvement, audiological changes, and subjective quality of life changes were also recorded. Results: A significant reduction in the total Dizziness Handicap Index was seen following transmastoid repair of superior semicircular canal dehiscence (p = 0.0078). This was also evident when subgroup analysis of the Dizziness Handicap Index was performed, as physical (p = 0.0273), emotional (p = 0.0078), and functional subgroups were all significantly reduced (p = 0.0117). Autophony was also significantly reduced following intervention (p = 0.0312). Overall quality of life was seen to be improved following surgery as measured by the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (p = 0.0345). Conclusion: Our data suggest that transmastoid plugging of a dehiscence in the superior semicircular canal is a safe and effective means of improving autophony, dizziness and overall quality of life in these patients. We believe that these results should be taken into consideration in discussions regarding surgical approach for patients who are contemplating this procedure.