Hearing Results after Transmastoid Superior Semicircular Canal Plugging for Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence: A Meta-Analysis

Objective: The transmastoid plugging of a superior semicircular canal is considered a safe and effective technique for the management of superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD). The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess the postoperative hearing outcomes after the transmastoid plugging of the superior semicircular canal. Search method and data sources: A systematic database search was performed on the following databases until 30 January 2023: MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, ICTRP, and clinicaltrials.gov. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of the pooled data were conducted. We also included a consecutive case series with SCDS for those who underwent transmastoid plugging treatment at our clinic. Results: We identified 643 citations and examined 358 full abstracts and 88 full manuscripts. A total of 16 studies were eligible for the systematic review and 11 studies for the meta-analysis. Furthermore, 159 ears (152 patients) were included. The postoperative mean air conduction threshold remained unchanged (mean difference, 2.89 dB; 95% CI: −0.05, 5.84 dB, p = 0.58), while the mean bone conduction threshold was significantly worse (mean difference, −3.53 dB; 95% CI, −6.1, −0.95 dB, p = 0.9). Conclusion: The transmastoid plugging technique for superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome, although minimally worsening the inner ear threshold, is a safe procedure in terms of hearing preservation and satisfactory symptom relief.