Sandwich technique for sigmoid sinus wall reconstruction for treatment of pulsatile tinnitus caused by sigmoid sinus diverticulum/dehiscence.

Background

If the pulsatile tinnitus caused by sigmoid sinus diverticulum/dehiscence cannot be diagnosed and treated, it can lead to significant morbidity and mortality.Aim: To assess the sandwich surgical technique for sigmoid sinus wall reconstruction for the treatment of pulsatile tinnitus caused by sigmoid sinus diverticulum/dehiscence.

Methods

A chart review was conducted with 17 patients suffering from pulsatile tinnitus caused by sigmoid sinus diverticulum/dehiscence who underwent sinus wall reconstruction surgery between January 2014 and July 2019.

Results

Of the total patients studied, 16 were female, and one was male. The procedure was performed on the right ear of 15 patients and on the left ear of 2 patients. The pulsatile tinnitus disappeared in all patients following the sinus wall reconstruction surgery using the sandwich technique. The mean follow-up time was 25 months (a range of 8-55 months). In the follow-up period, no recurrence of pulsatile tinnitus was found. None of the patients experienced major complications such as thrombosis.

Conclusions

The sandwich surgical technique for sinus wall reconstruction as a treatment for pulsatile tinnitus caused by sigmoid sinus diverticulum is safe and effective.