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At the annual meeting of the Triological Society in Waikaloa, Hawaii, David C. Kelsall, MD, Robert E. Mischke, MD, and Donald W. Goin, MD, Denver, Colo, presented the findings from their study of perilymphatic fistulas. Of 260 patients explored for possible fistula, the primary study group consisted of 158 patients. The postoperative outcomes were divided into three categories: definite fistula, possible fistula, or negative exploration.
In those subjects with definite fistulas, 91% had hearing loss, 75% of which was sudden. Dizziness without deafness was distinctly uncommon in this group. Electronystagmographic testing and the fistula test were of limited value in predicting surgical findings throughout the study population. Fistulas were generally closed with fascia or perichondrium. Definite findings of leakage were noted in 40% of patients; negative exploration was noted in only 17% of patients. Dizziness was controlled in about 75% of each of the three groups. Hearing improvement was significant