About Labyrinthectomy
Key Highlights
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Highly effective in eliminating debilitating vertigo attacks (success rate 90%).Definitive surgical solution for unilateral vestibular disorders unresponsive to medication.Can significantly improve quality of life by removing the unpredictability of severe dizziness.Often performed as a last-resort procedure after exhaustive conservative management.
Who is this surgery for?
- Unilateral Meniere's disease with severe, disabling vertigo and non-serviceable hearing.
- Intractable vertigo from other causes like labyrinthitis or vestibular neuronitis.
- Failed previous conservative treatments (e.g., diet, diuretics, intratympanic injections).
- Failed previous less-destructive surgeries (e.g., endolymphatic sac surgery).
- Patient acceptance of permanent, profound hearing loss in the affected ear.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive audiological evaluation (audiogram) to confirm non-serviceable hearing.
- Vestibular function tests (like VNG or vHIT) to document the diseased ear.
- Pre-operative imaging (MRI) to rule out other central causes of vertigo.
- Detailed counseling on permanent hearing loss and the nature of recovery.
- Pre-operative blood tests and medical clearance from a physician.
- Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications as advised by the surgeon.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours prior to the surgery.
Risks & possible complications
- Permanent, profound sensorineural hearing loss in the operated ear.
- Persistent dizziness or imbalance during the central compensation period.
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear) may persist or worsen.
- Risk of infection, bleeding, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.
- Facial nerve injury, though rare with modern techniques.
- Failure to completely control vertigo (rare).
- Risks associated with general anesthesia.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial 1-3 days in the hospital for monitoring and management of acute vertigo.
- Significant dizziness and imbalance are common immediately after surgery, requiring assistance.
- Prescribed vestibular suppressant medications for the first few days.
- Early mobilization and beginning vestibular rehabilitation exercises are crucial for brain compensation.
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and getting water in the ear for several weeks.
- Follow-up visits to monitor healing and progress with balance retraining.
- Most patients achieve functional balance within 2-6 weeks, though full central compensation can take months.
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Typical hospital stay: 2-4 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks for basic function, several months for full compensation
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering labyrinthectomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for labyrinthectomy in India include Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, 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 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 labyrinthectomy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 120 Thousand – 250 Thousand | 2-4 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for basic function, several months for full compensation | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 420 Thousand – 875 Thousand | 2-4 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for basic function, several months for full compensation | Know More |
Top hospitals for Labyrinthectomy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ent teams and experience managing patients undergoing labyrinthectomy.
Emily Miller, a 42-year-old elementary school...
Emily Miller, a 42-year-old elementary school teacher and mother of two, had her life upended by Ménière's disease. For five years, she endured unpredictable, violent attacks of vertigo, accompanied by roaring tinnitus and hearing loss in her right ear. The episodes left her bedridden, nauseous, and terrified, forcing her to take frequent medical leave and miss her children's activities. After exhausting all conservative treatments, strict low-sodium diet, diuretics, steroid injections, with only temporary relief, her ENT specialist, Dr. Chen, recommended a labyrinthectomy. He explained it would permanently destroy the balance function in her bad ear to stop the vertigo, but would also complete the hearing loss on that side. The surgery itself was straightforward, but the immediate aftermath was challenging; Emily experienced severe dizziness and imbalance as her brain learned to compensate. After three months of dedicated vestibular rehabilitation, her balance stabilized. While she misses stereo hearing and has to be mindful in dark environments, the crippling vertigo attacks are gone. Emotionally, she moved from a state of constant anxiety and despair to one of profound relief and regained control. She is back in the classroom and can be present for her family, mourning the loss of her hearing but celebrating the return of her life.
ENT Specialists for Labyrinthectomy
Explore experienced ent specialists who regularly perform labyrinthectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 16 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 43 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 38 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 36 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 10 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 19 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore