Posterior semicircular canal occlusion for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo--CO2 laser-assisted technique: preliminary results.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common vestibular end-organ disorder that in the majority of patients resolves with conservative management. In the occasional patient who has unremitting BPPV despite conservative treatment, posterior semicircular canal occlusion (PCO) may be effective in eliminating symptoms. In an attempt to minimize the risk of hearing loss, a modified procedure was developed that uses the CO2 laser to shrink the membranous vestibular posterior semicircular canal prior to mechanically plugging the canal. Preliminary results of this CO2 laser-assisted occlusion technique used in four patients are presented.