Translabyrinthine Approach

The translabyrinthine approach is used to remove vestibular schwannoma when preservation of hearing isn’t a concern. Following the extended cortical mastoidectomy and exenteration of the posterior part of the labyrinth, the internal auditory canal is exposed. The dural plates of the middle cranial fossa and posterior cranial fossa are removed, which affords not only better exposure, but also sufficient working space. It is done without disturbing the integrity of the external auditory canal and tympanic cavity. In this approach, the facial nerve is identified at the beginning of tumour removal and therefore, the chances of preserving the facial nerve function is high.