[Malformation of the inner ear. Cerebrospinal otorrhea in stapedectomy].

Otoliquorrhoea occurred during stapedectomy (gusher) and signified a case of inner ear malformation which was not apparent on preoperative tomograms but could be demonstrated on postoperative CT scans. There was no bony separation between the irregularly dilated inner auditory canal and the vestibulum. The cochlea was not fully rotated. Intraoperative problems in such malformations may lead to further postoperative hearing impairment. Hence, we report on the clinical, operative and CT findings in order to avoid an operation in patients with similar signs and symptoms.