Sudden sensorineural hearing loss after varicose vein surgery under general anesthesia. Case report

Abstract

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss following non-otologic surgery, under general anesthesia, is an extremely rare complication. Furthermore, postoperative deafness has more commonly been associated with cardiac surgery. This acute dysfunction of the inner ear consists a controversial subject in terms of etiopathogenic mechanisms and treatment modalities. We present the case of a 60-year-old male patient who underwent varicose vein surgery under general anesthesia and presented immediately after the operation bilateral and profound impairment of his hearing acuity. A high index of suspicion is required to early diagnosis of this complication, although prompt treatment does not guarantee a good outcome.