About Chemical Labyrinthectomy
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia.Targeted treatment that aims to preserve hearing while controlling vertigo.Effective alternative to more invasive surgical labyrinthectomy.Primarily an outpatient procedure with no major surgical incision.High success rate in controlling debilitating vertigo attacks.
Who is this surgery for?
- Unilateral, definite Meniere's disease with severe, disabling vertigo refractory to medical therapy (diuretics, betahistine, dietary modifications).
- Patients with poor hearing or non-serviceable hearing in the affected ear (often a criterion for gentamicin use).
- Failed conservative management including intratympanic steroid injections.
- Patients who are not ideal candidates for or wish to avoid vestibular nerve section surgery.
- To provide symptomatic relief and improve quality of life by eliminating unpredictable vertigo spells.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive audiological evaluation (pure-tone audiometry, speech discrimination) to document baseline hearing.
- Vestibular function tests (like Videonystagmography - VNG) to assess balance function.
- Detailed counseling with the ENT surgeon regarding goals, success rates, and risks, especially hearing loss.
- Informed consent process explaining the possibility of complete hearing loss in the treated ear.
- Pre-procedure medical clearance if needed. The patient may be asked to avoid blood thinners as advised.
- No need for general anesthesia fasting as it's typically done under local anesthesia.
Risks & possible complications
- Sensorineural hearing loss, ranging from mild to profound (complete loss) in the treated ear.
- Persistent dizziness or imbalance during the recovery period as the brain compensates.
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear) may worsen or develop.
- Failure to control vertigo, requiring additional injections or alternative procedures.
- Rare risks include tympanic membrane perforation, infection (otitis media), or facial nerve injury.
- Development of a persistent vestibular imbalance or "wobbliness," especially in older patients.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediately after the injection, the patient must lie still with the treated ear upward for 20-30 minutes to allow medication absorption.
- Initial 24-48 hours may involve significant vertigo, nausea, and imbalance. Bed rest is often advised.
- Patients are prescribed medications for nausea and dizziness to manage acute symptoms.
- Avoid getting water in the ear for a specified period (e.g., one week) to prevent infection.
- Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is often recommended to help the brain compensate for the reduced vestibular function.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial for monitoring hearing and vertigo control, typically at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient) or 1 day for observation
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Expected recovery time: Initial vertigo: 1-2 weeks; Full compensation and stability: 4-6 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering chemical labyrinthectomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for chemical labyrinthectomy in India include Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, KMC Hospital Mangalore, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform chemical labyrinthectomy. MediFyr helps you compare ent specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for chemical labyrinthectomy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 381 – USD 925 | 0 days (Outpatient) or 1 day for observation | ~ Initial vertigo: 1-2 weeks; Full compensation and stability: 4-6 weeks | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 2,818 – USD 6,845 | 0 days (Outpatient) or 1 day for observation | ~ Initial vertigo: 1-2 weeks; Full compensation and stability: 4-6 weeks | Know More |
Top hospitals for Chemical Labyrinthectomy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ent teams and experience managing patients undergoing chemical labyrinthectomy.
I was a total wreck before...
I was a total wreck before my appointment. First time seeing a doctor on my own and I was convinced it was something serious. Dr. Muthusamy just had this calm way about him. He listened to all my jumbled-up worries, did a quick check, and explained everything in a way that actually made sense. Walked out feeling silly for being so nervous, but mostly just relieved.
ENT Specialists for Chemical Labyrinthectomy
Explore experienced ent specialists who regularly perform chemical labyrinthectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 15 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass
- 12 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar
- 11 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon
- 6 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake
- 20 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
KMC Hospital Mangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur
- 9 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road
- 10 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 29 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road
- 13 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria
- 32 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Goa
- 19 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal
- 11 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road
- 9 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 22 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Dwarka
- 19 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur
- 17 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal
- 10 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road