Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Under General Anesthesia

Abstract

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is infrequent, but it is considered an otologic emergency. Although multiple etiologies have been identified, idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss is most common. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss following non-otologic surgery under general anesthesia is an extremely rare complication. A 55-year-old man presented with hearing loss, tinnitus in his right ear, which developed right after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Pure tone audiogram showed profound sensorineural hearing loss in the right ear. Treatment included intravenous prednisolone, intratympanic dexamethasone, vasodilator and carbogen inhalation. The patient had improved hearing and resolution of tinnitus. This report represents the first documented case of unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss after laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia.




J Med Cases. 2013;4(11):742-745
doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/jmc1512w